Three-year-old dies after sexual assault near Chennai; Opposition targets Tamil Nadu government
A three-year-old girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted in Tiruvallur district near Chennai succumbed to her injuries on Monday, prompting widespread outrage and sharp criticism from opposition parties over the state’s law-and-order situation.
Police said the accused, a 19-year-old worker from Bihar, has been arrested in connection with the incident. He was reportedly employed at a steel manufacturing unit in the SIPCOT industrial estate, where the victim’s father also worked. The suspect lived in the same neighbourhood as the child’s family.
According to investigators, the incident occurred on Sunday evening in Pudupettai near Gummidipoondi. The child had been playing outside with other children when the accused allegedly lured her away by offering to buy snacks. Police allege that he then took her to an isolated area and assaulted her.
A passerby is said to have witnessed the incident and immediately alerted nearby residents. Locals gathered at the spot and managed to detain the suspect when he attempted to escape. SIPCOT police later arrived and took him into custody.
The child was initially rushed to a government hospital in Kottakarai and later referred to Stanley Government Hospital in Chennai for advanced treatment. Despite medical efforts, she died on Monday morning. Authorities have registered a case and are continuing their investigation.
The tragedy triggered strong political reactions across Tamil Nadu. Opposition leaders accused the state government of failing to ensure the safety of women and children and pointed to what they described as a worsening law-and-order environment.
Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin criticised the administration, alleging that incidents of violent crime were becoming increasingly common in the state. In a post on social media, he accused the government of neglecting public safety and warned of public protests if stronger measures were not taken.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami also expressed shock over the incident. Questioning the government’s handling of crime, he urged the chief minister to move beyond political rhetoric and take swift legal action to protect women and children.
Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran demanded the resignation of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, claiming that repeated incidents of sexual violence reflected a serious breakdown in law and order. He also announced that the BJP would stage a protest in Chennai on June 18 to highlight concerns over public safety in the state.