Student killed while trying to save friend from molestation bid

K Tamilvanan, a third-year student of Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College here and a resident of Thinnakonam near Lalgudi, was reportedly in a relationship with a nursing student. Both studied in the same school.

According to sources, Tamilvanan took the girl to the Malai Matha church situated on Tiruchy-Chennai bypass around 6.30 pm on Tuesday, the Pongal day.

As there was a huge crowd in the church, the duo left the place and proceeded on the Kumulur-Pullambadi road via Sangenthi village, which comes under the limits of a reserved forest.

When they reached Sangenthi, Tamilvanan stopped his bike. Subsequently, both were engaged in a conversation for a long time. It was then that the gang, who came in two motorcycles, picked up a quarrel with the couple. The issue became serious, when they suddenly accosted the girl and attempted to molest her.

In a bid to rescue the girl, Tamilvanan started to assault the four persons. But, he was overpowered and stabbed with a weapon. They then attempted to molest the girl again. The gang, however, fled the spot after she raised an alarm.

She then called up the ambulance service and was taken to the Lalgudi GH along with a severely injured Tamilvanan. While Tamilvanan succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital, the girl, who is in a state of shock, is undergoing treatment. Siruganur police have registered a case and are searching for the culprits.