Gang kidnaps, rapes Salem girl: Three arrested

According to the police, the victim hailing from Omalur in Salem had gone to Bazaar Street a few days ago with her brother-in-law on a bike to buy college books. After purchase, she was returning home, riding pillion with her brother-in-law, when the incident happened.

“While nearing Mamangam, five people intercepted their vehicle, assaulted the man and chased him away. They then took away the girl forcefully into a deserted area surrounded by thorny bushes,” the police said.

With one among the five-member gang allegedly raping the girl, they then sent her away, threatening to murder her if she revealed the incident to anyone. She then left the spot with her brother-in-law, who came in search of her on the two-wheeler.

Based on a complaint from the parents of the girl to Salem city commissioner Shankar, a special team led by Suramangalam Inspector Senthil Kumar was formed to nab the culprits.

Preliminary inquiries revealed that a gang from Vellakalpatty near Dalmia Road has been involved in the alleged sexual assault.

The police have arrested Jayaprakash (29) from Ammapet, Ramesh (32) and Manikandan (35) from Vellalapatty in connection with the case.

Two more persons who were part of the gang are absconding, and a search is on to nab them.

The police said the members of the gang were involved in various anti-social activities and assault cases in the neighbourhood.

The Suramangalam police have registered a case and further inquiries are on to know if the gang has sexually assaulted any other woman with similar modus operandi.