COIMBATORE — A swift police response led to the arrest of two men accused of abducting and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl here over the weekend, but not before a violent confrontation left one officer injured and one suspect shot in the leg.

Key facts

  • Victim: 14-year-old girl, abducted Saturday evening
  • Accused: Santhosh, 24, and Thavasi, 28, both daily wage workers
  • Location: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
  • Police response: Arrests made Sunday, weapon recovery turned violent

A Harrowing Ordeal

The nightmare began Saturday evening when Santhosh and Thavasi allegedly abducted the minor girl on a two-wheeler. They took her to Thavasi's house in Kanjikonampalayam, where they sexually assaulted her before releasing her. The brave survivor returned home and, with her parents, filed a complaint at the All Women Police Station around 7:30 p.m. that same night.

Police immediately provided counseling and arranged for a medical examination at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital. They registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, launching an intensive investigation.

The Violent Confrontation

By Sunday, police had apprehended both suspects after analyzing surveillance footage and other evidence. During interrogation, Thavasi revealed they had hidden a sickle—allegedly used to threaten the girl—at a local graveyard.

What should have been a routine evidence recovery turned dangerous when Inspector I. Sornavalli's team took Thavasi to retrieve the weapon. The accused suddenly retrieved the hidden sickle and attacked Inspector Sornavalli, injuring her shoulder.

As Thavasi attempted to escape and continued his assault, Sub-Inspector Silambarasan made a split-second decision. He fired his service pistol, striking Thavasi in the leg. Both the injured officer and the accused were rushed to CMCH for treatment.

Aftermath and Recovery

Inspector Sornavalli is currently recovering from her injury, a testament to the risks police officers face even during evidence collection. The swift action prevented further violence, but the incident highlights the dangerous nature of such investigations.

Both accused remain in custody, facing serious charges for their alleged crimes against a minor. The community watches closely as this case develops, hoping for justice for the young survivor.