A violent incident involving a group of ganja-intoxicated youths has triggered fear and outrage in Veeraganallur village near Tiruttani, after a Class 10 schoolgirl was chased and villagers were attacked with weapons.
According to reports, the incident occurred when a Class 10 student, who had gone to write her public examination at a school in KG Kandigai, was returning home on a motorcycle with her elder brother, a Class 11 student. As they passed through a dense casuarina grove near Veeraganallur, they were spotted by a group of nine youths from VCR Kandigai, who were said to be under the influence of ganja.
The youths, riding three motorcycles, reportedly began chasing the schoolgirl. Alarmed by the situation, the girl’s brother sped away and managed to bring her safely home. However, the group pursued them all the way to their residence.
The girl, in a state of distress, informed her parents and local residents about the incident. When villagers confronted the youths and questioned their actions, the situation escalated. The accused attempted to attack the villagers with knives they had concealed. Though some residents initially managed to restrain them, the youths reportedly contacted others from their village, leading to the arrival of around 10 more individuals.
The situation quickly turned violent, with the group attacking residents. A woman was injured in a knife attack, while two others were assaulted. The accused were also reported to have roamed through the locality armed with weapons, creating panic among residents.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, stating that the youths chased people, shouted aggressively, and vandalized property. One resident, a pregnant woman, reported fleeing in fear as the attackers smashed household items, including ceiling fans, doors, and windows. Residents also stated that such intoxicated groups frequently create disturbances in the area, targeting passersby, including schoolchildren, and causing widespread insecurity.
The attackers damaged at least seven houses, breaking windows, doors, and other property. They also vandalized a load auto parked in the area, shattering its glass.
Villagers claimed that despite calling the emergency helpline (100), they did not receive timely assistance. As the situation worsened, some residents reportedly travelled nearly 10 kilometers in a load auto to lodge a complaint directly at the Tiruttani police station.
Allegations of police negligence have also surfaced. Residents claimed that police personnel responded insensitively, reportedly questioning why the villagers did not retaliate if the attackers were armed with knives. This response has drawn anger from locals, who questioned how unarmed civilians could be expected to confront armed assailants.
By the time police reached the village, the accused had fled the scene. Officers later inspected the area and began an investigation.
In protest against the incident and the alleged delay in police response, villagers staged a road blockade on the Tiruttani–Sholinghur highway, demanding immediate action and the arrest of all those involved.
Residents expressed deep concern over recurring incidents of violence, stating that they no longer feel safe stepping out of their homes. They highlighted the lack of security for school-going children, especially girls, and raised questions about long-term safety measures.
Villagers also stated that the accused had been threatening residents, including women, with violence, and warned that such incidents could escalate further if not addressed.
Following the protest, Tiruttani police registered a case and launched a search operation. Four individuals, identified as Kishore, Arun Kumar, Viji, and a 16-year-old boy from PCR Kandigai, have been arrested and are currently under interrogation.
Police stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the attack.
The woman injured during the incident is undergoing treatment at a hospital.
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