Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu — A shocking case of sexual assault near Coimbatore International Airport has sent waves of outrage across the state. A 19-year-old college student was allegedly attacked and sexually assaulted by three unidentified men on Saturday night, November 2, in a secluded area close to the airport.
According to police sources, the assailants first attacked and chased away the victim’s male friend before committing the crime. Both the student and her friend have been admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
To track down the culprits, the Coimbatore Police have formed seven special teams, and an intensive manhunt is currently underway.
Political Leaders Condemn the Incident, Demand Accountability
The heinous assault has triggered political outrage, with leaders across party lines slamming the state government for failing to ensure women’s safety.
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) condemned the incident, urging Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who also holds the Home portfolio, to act immediately.
“The Chief Minister must direct the police to find the culprits and render justice to the student,” EPS said, adding that women’s safety was far better maintained under the late J. Jayalalithaa’s rule.
He recalled that under the AIADMK’s initiative, women were provided self-defense kits containing pepper spray and torches, emphasizing that his party would continue such safety drives across Tamil Nadu.
BJP Slams DMK Government Over “Failure of Law and Order”
Union Minister L. Murugan expressed shock over the assault, calling it a “grim reminder” of the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
“This horrific incident near an important area like Coimbatore Airport shows the incompetence of the government and the police,” Murugan said.
He urged the state to provide proper medical support and compensation to the victim and demanded strict punishment without leniency for the offenders.
BJP State President Nainar Nagendran announced a statewide protest, demanding the arrest of those responsible, while Coimbatore South MLA and BJP Mahila Morcha president Vanathi Srinivasan called the crime a “black mark” on the ruling DMK.
“History has never forgiven any leader who failed to protect women. CM Stalin will go down in history as an example of poor governance,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“No Fear of Law Under DMK Rule,” Says Annamalai
BJP leader K. Annamalai accused the DMK government of fostering an environment where criminals act without fear.
“From ministers to police officials, there’s been a disturbing trend of shielding offenders instead of ensuring justice. The DMK has failed in both preventing sexual crimes and providing safety for women,” he alleged in a post on X.
Other Parties Join in Condemnation
Leaders from PMK, TVK, and Left parties also voiced their anger, urging the state government to bring the culprits to justice swiftly. They demanded stronger law enforcement and improved measures for women’s safety across Tamil Nadu.
Investigation in Progress
Police officials have confirmed that forensic teams and cyber experts are assisting in the investigation to trace the suspects. The authorities have assured that the case will be treated with utmost seriousness, and no effort will be spared to ensure justice for the victim.
As the investigation continues, the Coimbatore sexual assault case has reignited a broader debate about women’s safety and accountability in Tamil Nadu.