Four Teens Detained Over Viral Sickle Attack on Migrant Worker in Tamil Nadu
Four Teens Detained Over Viral Sickle Attack on Migrant Worker in Tamil Nadu
Four 17-year-olds allegedly attacked a migrant worker on a Tamil Nadu suburban train, filming the assault for social media; the case is now before the Juvenile Justice Board.
Four 17-year-old boys have been produced before the Juvenile Justice Board in Tamil Nadu for allegedly attacking a migrant worker with a sickle and posting videos of the assault on social media. The teenagers, reportedly intoxicated, attacked the victim after an argument on a suburban train between Chennai and Tiruttani in Tiruvallur district. A video clip showing the group repeatedly assaulting the victim was uploaded on Instagram and has circulated widely on social media. The incident occurred on the evening of December 26. The victim, Suraj, is a 34-year-old migrant worker from Kolhapur district in Maharashtra. The boys boarded the train at Thiruvalangadu railway station near Arakkonam. One of the boys allegedly asked to place a sickle on Suraj's neck to record their reel, leading to the attack. Three attackers hit Suraj on his head, arms and legs, while the fourth filmed. They dragged him to an abandoned railway quarters nearby and continued the assault. They were intoxicated. Suraj lost consciousness and was found by bystanders, who helped him reach a local government hospital. He was given first aid before being transferred to Tiruvallur Government Medical College Hospital, where his condition is stable. The juveniles, all residents of Nemili near Tiruttani and in conflict with the law, allegedly shared the footage online to gain attention. Surveillance footage from cameras near the station, along with the online clips, helped identify the attackers. All four are residents of Nemili near Tiruttani.
