Daijiworld Media Network – Cuddalore

Cuddalore, Jun 17: In a horrifying incident, an 80-year-old woman was allegedly raped by a 23-year-old man in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district on Monday. The accused had reportedly been released from jail just two days earlier, after being arrested in a theft case.

Police said the survivor, who was on an evening walk, was attacked by the accused, who was allegedly under the influence of intoxicants. She is currently undergoing medical treatment and psychological counselling. "We have registered a case of rape and secured strong evidence. The survivor is out of danger," a senior police official.

When police located the accused and attempted to arrest him, he turned violent and attacked the officers with a knife. In self-defence, police were forced to shoot him in the leg to subdue him. “Two of our personnel were injured. The accused had to be brought down with a shot below the knee,” said an officer.

Visuals later showed the injured policemen receiving treatment.

The incident has triggered political outrage. Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami criticised the ruling DMK, stating, “No one knows where Tamil Nadu is heading under Chief Minister MK Stalin. People have no confidence in his ability to curb the drug menace or maintain law and order.”

The state government has denied any rise in crimes against women. DMK sources highlighted the swift conviction in the Anna University sexual assault case, where the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment within five months.

Tamil Nadu DGP Shankar Jiwal, in a recent interview, said increased awareness and better reporting mechanisms have led to a rise in reported cases. “Tamil Nadu continues to have one of the lowest crime rates against women in the country,” he said.