Shock and anger continue to grow in Coimbatore after a 10-year-old girl who had gone missing was found dead near a pond in the Sulur area. Police have arrested two accused- Karthick and Mohanraj, in connection with the case, while the victim’s family has demanded strict punishment and a transparent investigation.

Speaking outside the ESI Hospital in Varadharajapuram, the victim’s uncle Palanisamy said the family only received information late on Thursday night that the child was missing.

“Only last night did we get information that the girl was missing. After reaching here, we came to know that the girl had allegedly been kidnapped and that two persons identified as Mohan and Karthick had been arrested,” he said.

According to relatives, the child had reportedly gone missing two days ago after returning from a nearby shop. The family said police later informed them that her body had been recovered near a lake shore in the area.

Police said CCTV footage helped investigators identify the accused and establish the sequence of events. Both accused were produced before Sulur Judge Arunkumar and remanded to judicial custody till May 27.

Reacting to the incident, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay described the murder as a “horrific incident” and said such crimes against women and children could never be tolerated.

In a statement posted on X, Vijay expressed condolences to the grieving family and said he had directed police to conduct a thorough and fast-track investigation. He also instructed officials to file the chargesheet immediately and ensure strict punishment for those involved.

The Chief Minister confirmed that two accused had already been arrested in the case.

What is the latest investigation update?

Family members have alleged sexual assault and demanded justice for the victim, though police are yet to officially confirm the allegation. Investigators suspect the child may have been strangled to death, and the post-mortem report is awaited.

The case also triggered protests near the Sulur Police Station, with relatives and members of the public staging a road blockade demanding action. Police later dispersed the protest and tightened security in the area amid rising tension.

TVK MLA from Sulur constituency NM Sukumar also visited the hospital and met the victim’s family members.

With ANI inputs