Two girls from Pudukottai sexually assaulted at Velankanni lodge; two men arrested

Two teenage girls from Pudukottai were on a weekend outing at the coastal town of Velankanni when they were approached by two men on the beach. The men offered to buy the girls food and then escorted them to a nearby lodge. Inside the lodge, the girls say they were sexually assaulted. They reported the incident to officers of the Singappen Task Force, who arrived at the scene after the girls managed to escape. The police quickly detained the two suspects and began a formal investigation.

Velankanni, known for its famous shrine and steady flow of pilgrims, also attracts families seeking beach recreation. The incident has raised concerns about safety for young travelers in the region, especially after a series of minor thefts and harassment reports in recent months. Local authorities have previously warned visitors to stay in groups and avoid isolated lodges after dark. The arrest of the two men follows a pattern of swift police action in Tamil Nadu, where the state government has emphasized a zero tolerance stance on sexual crimes.

State officials have pledged additional patrols along the shoreline and increased monitoring of guest houses to deter similar crimes. The Singappen Task Force has urged families to report any suspicious behavior immediately and to travel with trusted companions. For readers in India, the case underscores the importance of vigilance when visiting popular tourist spots, especially in coastal towns where law enforcement resources may be stretched. The ongoing investigation will determine whether the accused face charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and the outcome will likely influence future safety guidelines.