Seven college students have been arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly sexually harassing a 17-year-old girl. The students, who attend various private colleges in Coimbatore, were living in rented accommodations in Kuniyamuthur, Kovaipudur, and Eesanari.
The incident came to light after the girl's grandmother filed a missing person report when she didn't return home. The girl returned home the following day and, upon questioning, revealed that she had been assaulted at a room in Kuniyamuthur. She had initially connected with one of the accused through Snapchat, who then invited her to his room.
Following the girl's disclosure, the Ukkadam police registered a case under the POCSO Act and arrested the seven students. They were subsequently presented before a court and remanded in judicial custody. Authorities have withheld the identities of the accused due to the sensitive nature of the case.
The incident has sparked political criticism. Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai criticized the DMK government, alleging inaction in protecting women. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he described the incident as shocking and attributed such acts to a "beastly mentality" fueled by increasing drug abuse among youth.