A video showing the assault of a pregnant woman by alleged drug addicts in Tiruchirappalli has triggered shock and concern among residents, with the incident drawing attention to law-and-order and narcotics issues in the locality.
The incident occurred near Edamalaipatti Pudur police station limits, in Kollankulam, where more than 50 families reside. CCTV footage that has since surfaced shows a local resident, identified as Dharmaraj, and his pregnant wife Arulmozhi being pushed to the ground and attacked by a group of intoxicated men. The visuals have circulated widely, intensifying public anger.
According to residents, a youth from the area has for some time been returning to the neighbourhood late at night under the influence of alcohol, ganja and injectable drugs, allegedly engaging in violent and anti-social behaviour. Locals claim that those who question him or attempt to intervene are assaulted. There are also allegations of vehicles being vandalised, electricity connections being deliberately cut, and houses being targeted with intimidation tactics.
Complaints were reportedly submitted earlier to the Edamalaipatti Pudur police station regarding repeated disturbances and suspected drug activity. Residents allege that no strong preventive action followed, allowing tensions to escalate in the neighbourhood.
The attack on the pregnant woman has heightened fear in the area. Residents say women are afraid to walk alone at night, and families with children feel increasingly unsafe. Some have even begun discussing whether they should vacate the locality if the situation does not improve.
The incident has also revived broader concerns about the availability of narcotics, particularly ganja and injectable drugs, in urban pockets of Tiruchirappalli. Questions are being raised locally about supply networks and enforcement gaps.
Residents, meanwhile, have appealed for immediate police intervention, tighter surveillance, and sustained patrols in the area to ensure safety, especially for women and vulnerable families.
A resident expressed her anger and frustration saying, “This kind of atrocity and injustice is happening regularly in this street. After consuming ganja and alcohol, they create havoc. We are scared. We have children at home. We are afraid to even step out. We don’t know whether to vacate this place or continue living here. You must give us protection. They drink alcohol, consume ganja, inject drugs… then they come and smash vehicles and destroy property. If we question them, ten of them gather together and surround us.”
Police have yet to release a detailed public statement on arrests or the status of the investigation as of now.
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