• Source:JND
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Chennai: In a horrifying incident in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district, a 23-year-old man, who was released from jail just two days earlier, allegedly raped an 80-year-old woman while she was on an evening walk. The assault took place in Panruti on Monday and has triggered widespread outrage.

Police said the accused, Sundaravel, had been arrested in a theft case and walked free on Saturday. Under the influence of alcohol, he reportedly attacked the elderly woman near her village.

"A 80-year-old woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by a youth in Panruti in the district and the suspect was shot at and nabbed by police on Tuesday," said a senior official.

“Only two days ago, the culprit was let out in connection with a theft case,” added Cuddalore Superintendent of Police (SP) S Jayakumar.

Following the incident, four special police teams were deployed to track down the suspect. Based on specific inputs, one of the teams led by Inspector Velumani reached Kadampuliyur village, where Sundaravel was believed to be hiding. However, when officers attempted to arrest him, he turned violent.

“But Sundaravel attacked and inflicted cut injuries on constable Kubendran's hand when the police team tried to catch him. Immediately, Inspector Velumani fired one round below the suspect’s knee and nabbed him,” SP Jayakumar told reporters.

Both Sundaravel and the injured constable were rushed to hospital for treatment. The elderly survivor is currently undergoing care at a medical college hospital in Cuddalore.

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The brutal assault has sparked strong political condemnation. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami lashed out at the ruling DMK government, accusing it of failing to ensure basic safety for women in the state.

"Such incidents are happening all over Tamil Nadu and the people do not have the slightest hope on whether the puppet Chief Minister @mkstalin, who is in a deep sleep, will take any action to eradicate drugs or maintain law and order," Palaniswami posted on social media platform X.

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He further said, "The plight of 6-year-old girls to 80-year-old women in Tamil Nadu were the same and they have become vulnerable,” while denouncing the government's alleged inaction.