Incident Overview and Arrests

Law enforcement authorities in Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam district have arrested two men from Kerala under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The suspects, aged 23 and 27, were taken into custody following an investigation into two 15-year-old schoolgirls who had left their homes.

According to police reports gathered by Daily News 365, the two teenagers had fled their homes due to alleged parental pressure regarding academic performance. The minors traveled to the Velankanni area in Nagapattinam, where they unsuccessfully sought employment at local shops before spending time at the beach. During this time, they encountered the two men who were visiting the region as tourists from Kerala.

Investigation and Rescue

Investigators revealed that the men befriended the schoolgirls on the beach. When one of the girls sought assistance finding lodging for the night, the suspects allegedly checked into a local hotel, with each man sharing a room with one of the minors.

The situation came to light the following day when the girls resumed their search for jobs. An observant local woman encountered the teenagers and promptly alerted law enforcement via the 100 emergency helpline.

Police headquarters immediately mobilized the Singappen Special Force (SSF), a specialized women police unit, alongside the local Child Welfare Committee. Following preliminary interviews with the minors, authorities registered a formal case under the POCSO Act and executed the arrests. The victims have since undergone mandatory medical examinations as the investigation continues.

Political Fallout

The high-profile arrests have swiftly escalated into a broader political debate concerning women's safety across Tamil Nadu.

DMK MP Kanimozhi issued a sharp critique against the ruling TVK administration, accusing the government of lethargy and arguing that safety violations against women have become increasingly routine. Terming the incident an indictment of the current governance, she demanded strict accountability and immediate justice for the victims.

The ruling administration has faced mounting pressure regarding public safety issues, which remained a central theme during the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections that ultimately brought the TVK to power. Further responses from state officials are awaited as the legal proceedings move forward.