Coimbatore

A wave of grief and outrage swept across Tamil Nadu after the brutal abduction and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore, triggering renewed concerns over the safety of women and children.

As the incident sent shockwaves across the state, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expressed deep anguish over the tragedy and assured strict action against those responsible.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chief Minister described the incident as an “inhuman and unforgivable criminal act” that has caused immense pain and shock.

He said such barbaric acts can never be tolerated in a civilised society and extended his deepest condolences to the grieving family of the child.

“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family that is suffering the unbearable loss of their beloved daughter. The government stands with them in this difficult time,” CM Vijay said.

The case took a major turn after police arrested two persons identified as Karthik (33), a native of Nagapattinam who had been residing at Pallapalayam near Coimbatore, and his associate Mohanraj in connection with the crime.

Police sources said the accused were known to the victim’s family and are suspected to have abducted the child before allegedly murdering her.

Investigators revealed that Karthik sustained injuries while attempting to escape from police custody. According to officials, he suffered fractures to his leg and hand during the escape attempt.

The injured accused was later secured and brought under police custody for further investigation.

Meanwhile, Mohanraj was produced before Judicial Magistrate Arun Kumar at the Sulur Judicial Magistrate Court on Saturday. The court ordered that he be remanded to judicial custody until May 27. Chief Minister Vijay stated that he had directed police authorities to carry out a thorough and time-bound investigation and take all necessary steps to ensure the immediate filing of the chargesheet. “The Tamil Nadu government will act firmly to ensure severe punishment under the law for those who commit heinous crimes against women and children. All immediate and necessary actions will be taken,” CM Vijay said. Police officials said the investigation is continuing and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.