Tamil Nadu Police have arrested four teenagers for allegedly attacking a migrant worker with machetes near Chennai, after disturbing videos of the assault surfaced on social media. The incident has triggered outrage and renewed political debate over public safety and drug abuse in the State.
Assault on Suburban Train and Near Residence
The attack took place on a suburban train travelling from Chennai to Thiruthani. Videos circulating online show four teenage boys harassing and assaulting a migrant worker inside the train. One of the accused later uploaded the footage as an Instagram reel, brandishing a machete and using a Tamil song as background music.
Another video shows the teenagers attacking the victim near a house. In the clip, one of the accused stands next to the injured man and flashes a “victory” sign, intensifying public anger over the incident.
Victim Hospitalised, Accused Detained
The victim, a migrant worker from Odisha, sustained serious injuries and was left bleeding after the attack. He is currently undergoing treatment at the Thiruvallur Government Hospital, according to police officials.
All four accused, each aged 17, were detained by the police soon after the videos went viral. Three of them were sent to a juvenile home in Chengalpattu. The fourth accused was released on bail after the court cited his ongoing education as a factor.
Political Reactions and Law-and-Order Concerns
The incident drew sharp reactions from political leaders across party lines. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram called on the Tamil Nadu Police to take firm action to restore public confidence.
“I reiterate my earlier demand. The time has come for the Tamil Nadu Police to prove its mettle,” Chidambaram said in a post on X. He urged authorities to launch a statewide “show of force” operation, including vehicle checks, identity verification, and stricter monitoring of history-sheeters.
Opposition parties accused the ruling DMK government of failing to control drug abuse among youth. AIADMK leader Kovai Sathyan blamed the alleged drug menace for the violent behaviour and demanded that the accused not be treated as juveniles.
“When drugs reach the hands of minors, this is the result,” Sathyan said. “Tamil Nadu is becoming the narcotics capital of India.”
DMK Calls It an Isolated Incident
Responding to the criticism, DMK leader TKS Elangovan described the attack as an isolated case. He said the police acted swiftly once the matter came to light and rejected claims that migrant workers feel unsafe in the State.
“Thousands of migrant labourers live and work safely across Tamil Nadu,” Elangovan said, adding that the government remains committed to law enforcement.
Investigation Ongoing
Police officials said further investigation is underway, including scrutiny of the videos posted on social media and the role of substance abuse, if any, in the incident. Authorities have also warned against glorifying violence online and said strict action will be taken against those who promote such content.
The case has intensified scrutiny of juvenile crime, social media influence, and migrant worker safety in Tamil Nadu, especially ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for next year.
