On 15 February 2025, a man was arrested and placed in judicial custody for attempting to sexually assaulting a woman police constable at Palavanthangal Railway Station.
According to reports, the incident took place when the constable exited the train and was heading towards the station’s exit. The accused Sathya Balu was intoxicated and allegedly tried to overpower her in a secluded area, attempting to assault her. The woman managed to raise an alarm, which drew the attention of nearby passengers. The man attempted to flee but was apprehended by the public and handed over to the railway police. A case has been filed, and an investigation is underway.
#BreakingNews || சென்னை ரயில் நிலையத்தில் அதிர்ச்சி சம்பவம்… பெண் காவலரை பாலியல் வன்கொடுமை செய்ய முயற்சி..!#Polimer | #Chennai | #Police | #Sexualharassment pic.twitter.com/bSgHK1UKuA
— Polimer News (@polimernews) February 17, 2025
On the same night, another incident occurred. A 40-year-old man was arrested for snatched a gold chain from a woman constable at the same station. The suspect was apprehended soon after the incident and handed over to the authorities.
Reports indicate that Bharani, 25, a member of the intelligence section at the Chennai city police commissionerate, had finished her duty on 15th February night. After boarding a train at Egmore, she arrived at Pazhavanthangal station and was on her way home. As she got off the train and walked towards her destination, a man following her attacked from behind and attempted to steal her gold chain, which weighed one-and-a-half sovereigns. Bharani quickly grabbed hold of the chain and shouted for help. Although the thief managed to take part of the chain, he fled the scene.
Hearing her cries, other passengers gave chase and successfully caught the man, turning him over to the railway police. Following an investigation, the accused was identified as Sathyan, 40, from Sithalapakkam.
இது இன்றைய விடியல்!
சென்னை, பழவந்தாங்கல் ரயில் நிலையத்தில் பணி முடிந்து வீடு திரும்பிய பெண் காவலரிடம் செயின் பறிப்பு.
தமிழகத்தில் பெண் காவலருக்கே இந்நிலை; இந்த லட்சணத்தில் 'அப்பா' என கூப்ட சொல்லி அட்ராசிட்டி வேற! pic.twitter.com/rPeFilB8rY
— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) February 16, 2025
Both incidents at the same local railway station, targeting womens, have shaken the community and sparked political outrage. The attacks have drawn sharp criticism of the government’s handling of law and order, with many expressing concern that even female police officers are no longer safe while walking the streets at night.
(With inputs from TNIE)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.