Coimbatore: In a dramatic turn of events, Coimbatore police have arrested three men in connection with the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 19-year-old college student near the Coimbatore International Airport. The accused, identified as Guna, Sathish, and Karthik, were all shot in the legs by police officials during a confrontation as they allegedly attempted to evade capture. All three accused are from Sivagangai district.
The incident occurred on the night of November 2nd. The victim, a first-year postgraduate student, was with her male friend at a secluded spot near the airport when they were accosted by the three assailants. The miscreants first launched a violent attack on the young man, assaulting him and chasing him away from the location. Having isolated the female student, the trio then kidnapped her and took her to another deserted spot where they allegedly sexually assaulted her.
Coimbatore Gang-rape: Culprits apprehended in a forceful encounter
The male friend, after escaping the scene, immediately alerted the police. Law enforcement officials promptly located the survivor in a deserted area and rushed both victims to the hospital. The young woman was admitted to a private hospital for treatment, while her boyfriend received care at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital for injuries sustained during the attack. Recognizing the severity of the crime, the Coimbatore police swiftly constituted seven special teams to track down the perpetrators.
The intensive manhunt led to the identification and location of the three suspects. During the arrest operation, the accused men allegedly tried to flee from police custody. In the ensuing confrontation, police officials opened fire, shooting all three men in their legs to prevent their escape and facilitate their arrest. The three were subsequently taken into custody and are now under police guard while receiving medical treatment for their gunshot wounds.
Accused had a history of criminal activity
Authorities have confirmed that all three arrested individuals—Guna, Sathish, and Karthik—have prior criminal records, indicating a history of engagement with unlawful activities. This detail has raised serious questions about their backgrounds and past interactions with the justice system. The police investigation is ongoing, with officials likely probing deeper into their criminal histories and possible involvement in other unsolved cases.