Tiruvallur: Tamil Nadu Police have arrested four teenagers in Tiruvallur district for allegedly assaulting a migrant worker and sharing a video of the attack on social media. The incident, which took place on December 26, occurred near Tiruttani railway station and later inside a suburban train, according to police officials.
The victim has been identified as Suraj, a 34-year-old migrant worker from Maharashtra. Police said the accused juveniles were intoxicated at the time of the incident and harassed the victim before launching a physical assault. The entire episode was allegedly recorded on a mobile phone and later uploaded on Instagram.
According to investigators, the teenagers first confronted Suraj near the Tiruttani railway station. They allegedly abused and assaulted him, continuing their actions even after boarding a suburban train. During the attack, the accused reportedly threatened the victim with a machete while filming the incident.
Police said Suraj sustained multiple cut injuries as a result of the assault. He was later admitted to a hospital for treatment. Officials have not disclosed details about his current medical condition but confirmed that he received immediate medical attention.
Following the incident, police took note of the video circulating on social media platforms. Based on a formal complaint and analysis of CCTV footage from the railway station and surrounding areas, officers identified the suspects and launched an investigation. The four teenagers were subsequently arrested in connection with the case.
A senior police official said the use of social media to circulate the video was a serious concern and formed part of the investigation. The authorities acted swiftly after verifying the authenticity of the footage and corroborating it with CCTV visuals and witness accounts.
Police confirmed that a case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the law. As the individuals involved are juveniles, further legal proceedings will be carried out in accordance with the provisions applicable to minors.
The incident has drawn attention due to the public nature of the assault and the subsequent sharing of the video online. Officials said such acts not only cause physical harm to victims but also contribute to fear and insecurity, particularly among migrant workers.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the assault, including the movements of the accused before and after the incident. Police are also looking into how the video was shared on social media and whether additional accounts were involved in circulating the footage.
The authorities reiterated that strict action would be taken in accordance with the law and warned against the misuse of social media platforms to glorify or broadcast acts of violence. Police said further inquiries are underway to complete the investigation and file the necessary reports.
The assault near Tiruttani railway station has raised concerns about passenger safety in public spaces. Police said additional measures are being reviewed to prevent similar incidents and to ensure quick response in cases involving violence on trains or railway premises.
Officials urged the public to report any such incidents immediately and to avoid sharing violent content online. The investigation remains ongoing, and police said more details would emerge as the case progresses.
