A 23-year-old woman from Vellore was allegedly sexually assaulted at a private lodge in Nungambakkam, Chennai, prompting the arrest of two suspects—a female friend from Perambur and Manase, a 29-year-old man from Kodungaiyur. Authorities are still searching for a third accomplice who has absconded.
According to police, the survivor, who worked in Chennai and resided in a private hostel, was invited by her friend to join her for drinks on June 27. The woman booked two rooms in the lodge and later brought Manase and another male associate to the premises.
After consuming alcohol together, the survivor fell asleep. She awoke hours later to find Manase lying beside her. Disturbed and alarmed, she confronted the group before returning to Vellore early the next morning, where she lodged a formal complaint.
The case was transferred to the Thousand Lights All-Woman Police Station in Chennai for investigation. During interrogation, Manase admitted to raping the woman, leading to his immediate arrest. The female friend, accused of facilitating the crime, was also taken into custody.
Police stated that efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the third suspect involved in the incident.
The shocking assault has raised concerns over women’s safety in urban spaces and the misuse of trust by acquaintances. Authorities have assured stringent action against all those implicated