In a shocking incident highlighting the dark side of social media obsession, Tamil Nadu police have detained four juveniles for a brutal sickle attack on a young migrant worker, which they filmed intending to post online as a reel. The violent assault occurred near abandoned railway quarters in the temple town of Tiruttani, located on the northwestern fringe of Chennai.
The Victim and the Prelude to Violence
The victim, identified as 20-year-old K Suraj from Odisha, had recently arrived in Chennai following a family dispute. Police stated on Monday that Suraj had been surviving on menial jobs. The attack unfolded on Saturday evening aboard a Chennai-Tiruttani EMU local train.
Investigators revealed that the four accused, all 17-year-old school dropouts, boarded Suraj's compartment at Thiruvalangadu station, approximately 70km northwest of Chennai. They were allegedly drunk and carrying two sickles concealed in bags. Police said their plan was to use the weapons while recording content for social media platforms.
A Train Argument Escalates to a Brutal Assault
A brief exchange in Hindi between the group and Suraj escalated into an argument that continued as the train travelled towards its destination. The altercation persisted until the train reached Tiruttani station, around 90km from Chennai.
After disembarking, the youths allegedly forced Suraj towards the deserted railway quarters near the tracks. What followed was a premeditated and recorded act of violence. Three of the juveniles attacked Suraj with sickles, while one of them allegedly flashed a victory sign during the assault. The fourth member of the group recorded the entire incident on a mobile phone.
Aftermath and Arrest of the Accused
Suraj suffered deep cut wounds from the sickles. Bleeding heavily, he managed to stagger to a nearby road, where alert passers-by immediately informed the railway police. He was first taken to the Tiruttani government hospital and later referred to the Tiruvallur Government Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Doctors have reported that his condition is now stable.
The police investigation took a crucial turn with the video evidence. Using the clip uploaded to Instagram, authorities traced the suspects. They were located later that same night near the Gangai Amman temple along the Tiruttani-Arakkonam bypass, a highway stretch on the town's outskirts, where they were allegedly drinking again.
All four juveniles were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board. Following the proceedings, three of the accused were sent to a government observation home. The fourth juvenile, described as differently abled, was released to the custody of his parents with a stern warning.
This gruesome case has thrown a spotlight on the dangerous trend of committing violent acts for social media clout and the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers in urban areas.
