Viral videos show brutal attack on a migrant worker in Chennai suburban train; 4 teens held
Tamil Nadu Police have arrested four teenagers for allegedly assaulting a migrant worker near Chennai, after videos of the attack went viral on social media.
The incident took place on a suburban train travelling from Chennai to Thiruthani, where a group of four boys was seen harassing and attacking the migrant worker.
In one of the videos, one of the accused is seen brandishing a machete while a Tamil song plays in the background. The video was later uploaded as an Instagram reel.
Another video shows the accused striking the victim with machetes near a house. One of the attackers is seen posing next to the injured man and flashing a ‘victory’ sign.
The victim, a migrant worker from Odisha, sustained serious injuries and was left bloodied in the attack. He is currently undergoing treatment at the Thiruvallur Government Hospital.
All four accused, aged 17, were detained by the police. Three of them have been sent to a juvenile home in Chengalpattu, while the fourth was released on bail, with the court citing his ongoing studies.
The incident has triggered political reactions, with Sivaganga MP Karti Chidambaram urging the state police to take stronger measures to ensure public safety.
“I reiterate my earlier demand. The time has come for the Tamil Nadu police to prove its mettle. A statewide ‘show of force’ operation is needed immediately. Massive vehicle checks and identity verification must be carried out, and all history-sheeters should be required to report to the nearest police station thrice a week,” Chidambaram said in a post on X.
Opposition parties have used the incident to attack the ruling DMK government ahead of the Assembly elections due next year, alleging a failure to curb the drug menace in the state.
Calling the incident a result of rising drug abuse, AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan said, “When drugs get into the hands of juveniles, this is what happens. Tamil Nadu has become the narcotic capital of India. These boys should not be treated as juveniles but as adults.”
Responding to the criticism, DMK leader TKS Elangovan described the attack as an isolated incident and said the police acted swiftly once it came to light.
“When the incident surfaced, the police immediately took action. Thousands of migrant labourers across Tamil Nadu feel safe in the state,” he said.
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