Coimbatore: Police in Tamil Nadu have arrested two men in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Sulur taluk of Coimbatore district, an incident that has triggered widespread public outrage and prolonged protests by local residents. Authorities have intensified security arrangements in the area, deploying a large police force to maintain law and order as investigations continue.

The victim, a Class 5 student from Pallapalayam near Sulur, had reportedly gone missing on Thursday evening after stepping out to visit a nearby grocery shop.

Child went missing after visiting local shop

According to police officials, the girl did not return home after visiting the shop, prompting her parents to begin searching for her in the neighbourhood.

During their search, family members reportedly learnt from people near the shop that an unidentified man on a two-wheeler had taken the child away.

Following a complaint lodged at Sulur Police Station, police launched a search operation and began examining CCTV footage and gathering local information.

The following day, the child’s body was discovered near the Kannampalayam lake bund with visible injuries.

Police sent the body for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death and gather further forensic evidence as part of the investigation.

Authorities stated that examination and scientific analysis would assist in establishing all circumstances surrounding the incident.

Two suspects arrested in connection with case

Police said investigators identified the primary accused, Karthik, with the help of CCTV footage and local intelligence inputs.

Based on information gathered during questioning, police later arrested a second accused, Mohanraj, for allegedly assisting in the crime.

Officials stated that during a police reconstruction of the crime scene, Karthik allegedly attempted to escape custody by climbing a nearby compound wall.

During the attempt, he reportedly sustained fractures to his arm and leg and was later admitted to Coimbatore Government Hospital under police security.

Meanwhile, Mohanraj was produced before the Sulur Judicial Magistrate Court and remanded to judicial custody until May 27.

Further investigation into the case is continuing.

Public protests continue through the night

News of the child’s death led to strong reactions from family members and local residents, who gathered outside Sulur Police Station demanding strict action against those responsible.

The protest reportedly began around 9.30 pm and continued for more than nine hours into the early morning.

Demonstrators blocked roads and demanded speedy investigation and strict punishment for the accused.

Traffic movement in the area was affected, forcing authorities to divert vehicles through alternate routes.

In view of rising tension, police deployed more than 300 personnel to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents.

Senior police officials monitored the situation and supervised security arrangements on the ground.

Chief Minister assures strict action

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin condemned the incident and expressed condolences to the victim’s family.

In his statement, he described the incident as deeply shocking and painful and stated that such crimes could never be accepted in society.

He said police had been instructed to conduct a swift and comprehensive investigation and ensure that necessary legal steps, including filing of the charge sheet, are completed without delay.

The Chief Minister also stated that the government remains committed to ensuring strict punishment under the law for crimes committed against women and children.

Police officials said the investigation remains under way and further action will be taken based on evidence collected during the inquiry.