Police in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin district have arrested three individuals, including two minors, for the alleged gangrape of a 24-year-old woman from Assam in a shocking incident that unfolded on Sunday night. The accused, identified as Mohammed Makful Hussain (27) and two 16-year-old boys, all originally from Assam, targeted the survivor and her husband after the couple decided to leave their jobs at a paver block manufacturing unit.
The Promise of Employment and Subsequent Betrayal
According to police officials, Hussain, who was residing in Thisaiyanvilai, had initially offered employment to the couple from his home state at a paver block unit located in Arasakulam, Tuticorin district. The husband and wife took up the jobs approximately two months ago. However, dissatisfied with their wages, they made the decision to quit and seek opportunities elsewhere.
Their plan was to travel to Tirunelveli Junction. Around 8 pm on Sunday, the couple boarded an autorickshaw to begin their journey. Hussain learned of their departure through the two minor boys who also worked at the same unit. What followed was a premeditated and brutal attack.
A Harrowing Interception and Assault
Hussain and the two boys pursued the autorickshaw on a two-wheeler. They intercepted the vehicle on the route to Tirunelveli Junction via Therkku Karaseri and Sivanthipatti Road. In a deceitful move, Hussain falsely told the auto driver that the couple had stolen money from them and instructed him to leave the spot, which he did.
The accused then took the terrified couple to a secluded location. There, they first assaulted the husband, preventing him from intervening. Subsequently, in a heinous act, they gang-raped the woman in front of her helpless spouse. After committing the crime, Hussain called the same auto driver back and forced the traumatized couple into the vehicle.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrests
The couple, upon reaching Tirunelveli Junction, immediately reported the atrocity to the Railway Police. The information was swiftly relayed to the Tuticorin police. District Superintendent of Police Albert John constituted a special team to apprehend the culprits.
In a clever operation, the police team, with the crucial assistance of the auto driver, managed to lure Hussain and the two boys. All three accused were arrested on the same night itself. The police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 126(2) for wrongful restraint
- Section 115(2) for voluntarily causing hurt
- Section 324(4) for mischief causing property damage
- Section 70 for gangrape
- Section 351(2) for criminal intimidation
As per the legal procedure, Mohammed Makful Hussain was remanded to judicial custody. The two minor boys have been lodged in an observation home in Tirunelveli district. Since the crime occurred within Tirunelveli district's jurisdiction, the case will be transferred to the Sivandhipatti police station for further investigation. The initial complaint was recorded at the Srivaikundam all-woman police station.
This grave incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers and underscores the importance of swift law enforcement response to crimes against women.
