Coimbatore horror shakes Tamil Nadu as student kidnapped and sexually assaulted near airport

A brutal assault on a young woman college student near Coimbatore Airport has jolted Tamil Nadu, exposing deep cracks in the state’s law and order machinery and sparking a political firestorm ahead of the 2026 elections.

Three men — Thavasi, Karthik and Kaliswaran — were arrested after a dramatic police encounter early November 4. The accused were shot in the legs when they allegedly tried to flee and have been admitted to hospital.

Police said the woman, a student at a private college in Coimbatore, was in a car with her male friend when the trio intercepted them, kidnapped her and took her to a secluded area where she was sexually assaulted. Seven special teams were formed to track down the attackers.

Political outrage grips Tamil Nadu

The incident has ignited a wave of anger across the state, with opposition parties accusing the ruling DMK government of failing to ensure women’s safety.

Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami slammed Chief Minister MK Stalin, asking whether there was “a functional police force” under his leadership. The AIADMK chief announced statewide protests demanding accountability.

BJP state president K Annamalai called the assault “utterly shocking,” alleging that criminals operate with impunity under the DMK’s rule.

“Since the DMK came to power, such repeated crimes against women show that anti-social elements have no fear of the law. Instead of protecting the people, the government uses police to silence critics,” he said, demanding Stalin “hang his head in shame.”

Actor-politician Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, also condemned the incident, saying, “Where is law and order and public safety? Another gang rape, even before the wounds of the Anna University assault have healed.”

The National Human Rights Commission called the crime “a failure by the state police,” asking, “How many more Nirbhayas?”

Government rejects claims of rising crimes

The DMK and senior police officials dismissed allegations of a surge in sexual crimes, insisting that swift and strict action is being taken in every case. They pointed to the recent life sentence awarded in the Anna University assault as evidence of decisive prosecution.

“Despite several preventive measures, such unfortunate incidents occur across the country. In Tamil Nadu, every case is acted upon swiftly and trials are fast-tracked,” said DMK spokesperson Dr Syed Hafeezullah, adding that the issue must be viewed in a national context.

The Coimbatore assault has reignited an urgent debate over women’s safety and accountability in Tamil Nadu, as political parties sharpen their attacks ahead of a high-stakes election year.