Coimbatore: Three men accused of gang-raping a 19-year-old college student and murdering her boyfriend near Coimbatore International Airport were shot and arrested by police during an encounter near the Vellakinaru Pattatharasi Amman temple.

The injured accused: Guna, Satish alias Karuppasamy, and Karthik alias Kaleeswaran, all natives of Sivaganga district, sustained bullet injuries to their legs when they allegedly tried to attack police officers during an attempted arrest. They were immediately taken to the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital for treatment. A head constable was also injured in the encounter.

According to police, the trio was wanted in connection with a brutal incident that occurred on November 2, when they allegedly attacked a college student and her male friend near a secluded area close to Coimbatore airport. The suspects are accused of sexually assaulting the 19-year-old student after chasing away her boyfriend. The male victim was later found dead, sparking widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu.

The horrific crime has triggered intense public anger and political condemnation, with several parties demanding exemplary punishment for the accused.

Police said investigations are ongoing and further details will be revealed after the questioning of the suspects.