Police: Coimbatore Rape Accused Drunk Before Assault, Two Brothers Among Three Held

Three men, two of them brothers, were arrested late Monday night for the gang rape of a 19-year-old college student near Coimbatore International Airport on November 2, 2025. The accused—Satish, alias Karuppsamy (30); his younger brother Karthi, alias Kalishewaran (21); and their relative Guna, alias Thavasi (20)—are daily-wage lathe workers with prior criminal records, including a pending murder case for which they were attending court proceedings. Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sundar confirmed that the trio had robbed a two-wheeler, consumed alcohol, and were roaming the area when they spotted the victim and her male friend inside a parked car on a dark, isolated mud road adjacent to the airport perimeter.

The assault began around 11 pm when the accused smashed the car windows with stones and attacked the male friend with a sickle, inflicting severe cuts that rendered him unconscious. They then dragged the woman to a deserted, unlit patch nearby and sexually assaulted her. The friend regained consciousness and alerted the police control room at 11:20 pm, prompting an immediate response. The survivor was rushed to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, where she is now stable and receiving psychological counseling. A case of gang rape, robbery, and attempted murder has been registered against the three.

The breakthrough came after investigators analyzed over 300 CCTV footages and gathered local intelligence, tracing the suspects to a hideout in Vellakinaru. When a police team arrived at 10:40 pm on Monday, the trio allegedly attacked the officers with sharp weapons, forcing police to open fire below the knees in self-defense. Satish sustained a gunshot wound in one leg, while Karthi and Guna were injured in both legs. One constable was also wounded in the scuffle. All four are under treatment at a government hospital, with the accused in police custody.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin condemned the crime as “inhumane” and directed the Coimbatore City Police to file a chargesheet within 30 days and secure the maximum punishment. The National Human Rights Commission issued a notice to the state government, questioning safety measures for women and comparing the incident to the 2012 Nirbhaya case. The episode has triggered public outrage and demands for improved lighting, CCTV coverage, and patrolling in isolated areas near the airport and industrial zones.

As Coimbatore grapples with the aftermath, authorities have intensified night patrols and announced plans to install high-mast lights and emergency kiosks along vulnerable stretches. The case highlights persistent challenges in ensuring women’s safety in semi-urban zones despite Tamil Nadu’s relatively strong law enforcement framework. With the accused linked to multiple prior offences, the incident also raises questions about monitoring of repeat offenders on bail. The investigation continues, with forensic reports and witness statements expected to strengthen the prosecution’s case in fast-track court proceedings.

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