Two drivers held for sexual assault of woman in moving rickshaw in Chennai
The 18-year-old migrant worker was attacked in a moving auto after refusing a ride, with the incident sparking a police pursuit.;
In a shocking incident near Chennai, two auto-rickshaw drivers were arrested in connection with the sexual assault of an 18-year-old woman on Monday night. The victim, a migrant worker employed in Salem, was waiting for a bus at the Kilambakkam bus terminus when one of the accused, Muthamizh Selvan, approached her and offered a ride. When she refused, he forcibly dragged her into the vehicle.
As the auto rickshaw sped through the city streets, two other men allegedly joined the assault. They held the woman at knifepoint and sexually assaulted her, all while the vehicle was in motion. The woman screamed for help, alerting passersby on the road, who immediately contacted the police.
A police chase ensued, but before authorities could intercept the vehicle, the perpetrators abandoned the woman on the roadside and fled the scene. Despite initial confusion over the number of assailants, police later confirmed that only two men were involved.
The arrested suspects, Muthamizh Selvan and Dayalan, are both auto drivers. They were taken into custody following a thorough investigation. Police are continuing their inquiries to ensure justice for the victim. Authorities have praised the community's swift response, which helped in the arrest of the assailants.