A migrant worker from Madhya Pradesh was left critically injured after being attacked with sickles by four teenagers in Tamil Nadu’s Thiruvallur district. The shocking incident, captured on video by the attackers themselves, went viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation.
The victim, identified as Siraj, was travelling on a suburban train from Chennai to Thiruttani when the minors confronted him. Sources say the group, reportedly under the influence of ganja, initially threatened him with weapons, including sickles and swords, while filming the encounter on their phones.
The situation escalated when the attackers forced Siraj to a remote area near a railway station. There, three of the teenagers repeatedly assaulted him with sickles as the fourth recorded the violence. In one clip, an attacker flashes a victory sign, intensifying public outrage.
Migrant Worker Critical in Hospital
Siraj suffered deep cuts to his head, hands, and face. After losing consciousness briefly, he managed to walk to a nearby road, where passersby rushed him to the Tiruttani General Hospital. He was later transferred to the Tiruvallur Medical College and Hospital, where doctors described his condition as critical.
Following a police investigation prompted by the viral video, all four juveniles, aged 17, were traced and taken into custody. They were identified as Nandakopal (Harichandrapuram), Santhosh (Arakkonam), Vicky, and another Santhosh (Nemili near Tiruttani). Three were sent to the Observation Home in Purasaiwalkam, while one was released on bail due to ongoing studies.
Authorities believe the motive behind the attack was the making of a social media reel. One video shows the attackers brandishing machetes and using a Tamil song as background music.
Karti Chidambaram Demands Immediate Police Action
The attack has drawn criticism from political leaders. Karti Chidambaram, MP from Sivaganga, demanded immediate police action, saying: “I reiterate my earlier demand. Time has come for the Tamil Nadu police to prove its mettle. A statewide ‘Show of Force’ operation is needed immediately. Massive checking of all vehicles plying the roads & identity checks must be done. All history sheeters must be required to report to the nearest police station thrice a week.”
AIADMK leader Kovai Sathyan blamed the state government, stating: “DMK’s Dravidian model achievement. When drugs get into the hands of juveniles, this is what happens. Tamil Nadu is the new Amsterdam and narcotic state of India. These boys should not be treated as juveniles; they should be treated as adults.” DMK leader TKS Elangovan, however, described it as an “isolated incident” and added: “When the incident came to light, the police immediately took action. Thousands of migrant labourers across Tamil Nadu feel safe in the state.”
Police are continuing their investigation, focusing on the circumstances leading up to the attack and the juveniles’ intoxication. Authorities have promised strict action to ensure the safety of migrant workers and prevent similar incidents in the future.
