3 Men abduct and assault college student near airport, city erupts in outrage
Coimbatore — A shocking crime late Sunday night has once again exposed gaps in women’s safety near Coimbatore International Airport. Three men abducted and sexually assaulted a college student near Brindavan Nagar around 11 p.m., sparking widespread anger across the city.
Police said the young woman, originally from Madurai, studies at a private college in Coimbatore. She was sitting in a parked car with a male friend when three men approached. The attackers struck her friend with a machete, forced her out of the vehicle, and drove her to a secluded spot nearby.
The woman faced brutal assault before the men fled. Her friend, left bleeding, regained consciousness after some time and alerted the police. Officers rushed to the area and found the victim unconscious and injured. They immediately moved her to a private hospital. Doctors later shifted her friend to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for treatment.
By early Monday, Coimbatore City Police Commissioner ordered a large-scale manhunt. He formed seven special teams under Deputy Commissioner N. Devanathan to locate and arrest the suspects. Forensic experts examined the crime scene, collected evidence, and traced possible leads from CCTV footage.
Meanwhile, residents of Brindavan Nagar and nearby SIHS Colony expressed anger over the lack of streetlights and night patrolling. They said they had repeatedly complained about the unsafe stretch but received no response. Locals claimed that criminal incidents in the area have risen steadily because of poor lighting and minimal surveillance.
As outrage grew, political leaders stepped in. Former BJP State President K. Annamalai condemned the state government for failing to ensure women’s safety. He posted on social media that the administration’s “negligence and weak law enforcement” were putting young women at risk.
Women’s rights groups in Coimbatore also held protests, demanding stricter punishment for sexual offenders and better street security. Activists urged authorities to increase night patrols near colleges, bus stops, and poorly lit zones.
The police have tightened security around the airport region and deployed more vehicles for night surveillance. Officers said they were reviewing call records, camera footage, and vehicle movements to identify the suspects. Senior officials visited the hospital and assured the victim’s family of swift action.
This incident follows a series of violent crimes in and around Coimbatore’s outskirts, raising fresh concerns about women’s safety in educational hubs. Activists said the attack highlights the urgent need for consistent policing, better lighting, and stronger community vigilance.
By late Monday evening, police continued intensive search operations. They appealed to the public to share any information related to suspicious movements near Brindavan Nagar that night.
The city remains tense, with citizens demanding quick arrests and justice for the survivor. The case has reignited a statewide debate on women’s safety and police accountability.
