Coimbatore gang-rape: Three suspects arrested after shootout

The suspects — identified as Thavasi, Karthik, and Kaliswaran — were arrested after a police shootout in the early hours of Tuesday.

According to officials, they attempted to flee when confronted by the police and were subsequently shot in the legs before being apprehended.

They were later taken to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Sunday horror

The survivor, a 20-year-old postgraduate student from Madurai studying at a private college in Coimbatore, had been sitting in a parked car with her male friend at Brindhavan Nagar, near the airport, around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Police said the trio approached on a moped, smashed the car’s windshield, and attacked the man with weapons.

They then threatened the woman at knifepoint, forced her onto their moped, and took her to an isolated area about a kilometre away, where they allegedly gang-raped her.

The injured friend immediately called Peelamedu Police, who launched a search operation.

The woman was found around 4 a.m., traumatised but alive, and was rushed to a private hospital.

“She is in shock, but receiving medical care. Her friend is in stable condition,” said Coimbatore Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sundar. "Seven special police teams were formed to track down the culprits."

Tracked by CCTV, cornered in encounter

The police analysed CCTV footage from the area and traced the suspects to Vellakinaru, on the outskirts of Coimbatore.

When a team of officers moved in on Monday night, the three men allegedly attacked a constable and tried to escape.

Police opened fire in self-defence, injuring all three. One of them was shot in one leg, while the other two were hit in both legs. A head constable also sustained minor injuries in the encounter.

The accused — Guna, Karuppasamy, and Karthik alias Kaleeswaran — are said to be daily wage labourers from Madurai who were living in a rented room in Coimbatore.

Political storm erupts ahead of 2026 polls

The incident triggered a major political outcry in Tamil Nadu, where Assembly elections are due in early 2026.

Opposition leaders accused the MK Stalin-led DMK government of failing to ensure women’s safety.

Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) announced state-wide protests, questioning whether a "functional police force” exists under Stalin’s leadership.

The BJP also launched protests, with state party chief K. Annamalai calling the incident “utterly shocking.”

He alleged that “anti-social elements have no fear of law or police” and accused the DMK government of using the police to target political critics rather than maintain public safety.

Actor-politician Vijay, chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), echoed the criticism, saying, “Where is law and order? Where is public safety?”

He also referred to the Anna University sexual assault case, saying Tamil Nadu had not yet recovered from that tragedy before another horrific attack occurred.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairperson condemned the incident as “a failure of the state police,” asking pointedly, “How many more Nirbhayas?”

Govt and police deny spike in crimes against women

The ruling DMK and senior police officials have rejected opposition allegations that crimes against women are rising in Tamil Nadu.

They insist that authorities have acted promptly and firmly in every reported case.

A senior DMK spokesperson, Syed Hafeezullah, said: “Despite multiple preventive measures, such unfortunate incidents occur. But every single offender is being dealt with swiftly and strictly. The Coimbatore case is no exception.”

He added that Tamil Nadu’s efforts should be viewed in the context of a “nationwide increase” in crimes against women, while highlighting the recent life sentence in the Anna University assault case as proof of the state’s commitment to justice.

Ongoing investigation

Police have not released further details about the investigation, but confirmed that all three accused are under medical supervision and will be produced before a magistrate once discharged.

Authorities said forensic analysis and survivor statements would be central to the case, as public anger grows over what many view as another reminder of India’s ongoing struggle to ensure women’s safety.