The recent gang rape of a college student near Coimbatore International Airport has triggered widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu. DMK ally MLA Eshwaran faced severe criticism for remarks that appeared to blame the victim, questioning the necessity of her being out at night with a friend.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the statements as inhumane and accused the ruling DMK government of failing to ensure women’s safety. Leaders emphasized that blaming the victim is unacceptable and urged accountability.
In response, police swiftly arrested three suspects—Guna, Karuppasami, and Karthik alias Kalishwaran—who attempted to evade capture. The arrests, following gunfire aimed at preventing their escape, have been widely lauded. Opposition parties and civil society organizations across the state have expressed strong condemnation. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed authorities to ensure the maximum punishment for the perpetrators.