A 17-year-old schoolgirl, who had been reported missing, was found murdered following a sexual assault in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi, prompting anger and protests among the locals.
The Class 12 student went missing on Tuesday night, leading her family and relatives to launch an extensive search. Hours later, on Wednesday, her body was found near their home.
Angered by the incident, residents, led by the victim’s family, staged a road blockade demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible. Police officials held talks with the protesters and assured them that efforts were underway to identify and apprehend the accused.
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Expressing anguish over the incident, DMK leader and Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi said the police were “vigorously engaged” in tracking down the perpetrators and that those responsible would face the harshest punishment.
“The incident in which a schoolgirl was subjected to sexual assault and brutally murdered near Vilaathikulam has caused widespread shock and grief. Police personnel are vigorously engaged in the task of tracking down the perpetrators of this heinous act,” the MP said. She added that the government will stand in support to ensure that these anti-social elements receive the harshest possible punishment and that the student’s family obtains the justice they deserve.
Meanwhile, the opposition BJP launched a sharp attack on the ruling DMK, accusing the government of failing to ensure the safety of women and children in the state. BJP leader Vinoj P. Selvam said the incident reflected a deteriorating law and order situation.
“Is this the state of affairs for a school-going girl? Even reading the news makes my heart race with fear,” Selvam said in a post on X. He further alleged that women and children in Tamil Nadu were living in an “unsafe environment” and accused the DMK government of attempting to cover up its failures through publicity campaigns ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Police said that further investigation into the case is underway.
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Published On:
Mar 12, 2026 08:17 IST
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