A serial criminal who was targeting women in secluded areas near Kallal in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district has been arrested by the police. After a failed escape attempt, he was hospitalized with a broken leg.

The accused, identified as Rajkumar, 33, of Keelapoongudi, reportedly preyed on women herding cattle, sexually assaulting them or robbing them at gunpoint when they were alone. The Devakottai All Women Police launched an investigation following numerous complaints, including a recent report of being threatened and having her jewelery stolen on November 3.

Fear spread among local women and the police began forming a team of local youths to search for the suspect in the forest area. After locating Rajkumar, the police tracked him down, during which he reportedly tried to escape by jumping off a bridge, resulting in a broken leg. The police took the suspect to the Regional State Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. Further investigation is ongoing.

In another case, a 45-year-old nurse from Trichy Orathur Primary Health Center in Lalgudi was allegedly attacked by 25-year-old Gokul while walking home on Thursday evening. He reportedly followed her for about two kilometers before attacking her. Lalgudi police arrested Gokul the same day and he was lodged in Trichy Central Jail on Friday. The nurse is receiving treatment at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital after being first admitted to Lalgudi Government Hospital.

Following this, the Tamil Nadu MRB Nurses Empowerment Association staged a protest demanding the need for functional CCTVs, improved lighting, regular police patrolling and safe transport options for staff, especially women workers working in night shifts.