
Two college students were attacked inside a Chennai Metro subway station on Monday, in what police suspect is a case of gang rivalry. The incident occurred during peak hours, shocking commuters who witnessed the sudden violence.
The victims, whose identities have not been officially released, were reportedly set upon by a group of assailants. They sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital, where their condition is stated to be stable.
Chennai Police have registered a case and launched a search for the attackers. Preliminary inquiries suggest the assault was premeditated, with the assailants lying in wait for the victims.
"We are examining CCTV footage from the station and nearby areas to identify the culprits," a police official said, requesting anonymity. The official added that the motive appears to be a long-standing feud between rival groups.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about security inside the city's metro network, which is generally considered safe. Commuters have demanded increased police presence and better surveillance at stations.
Officials from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) have not yet commented on the incident. However, security at metro stations is typically handled by a mix of CMRL staff and state police personnel.
While the exact sequence of events is still being pieced together, initial reports indicate that the students were attacked near the ticket counter area. The assailants fled the scene before police could arrive.
The injured students are said to be in their early twenties. Their families have been informed, and counselling has been offered to witnesses who were present during the attack.
As investigations continue, police are expected to question the victims once they are fit to record their statements. This will likely provide more clarity on the nature of the rivalry and the identities of those involved.
Meanwhile, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The metro police helpline has been activated for this purpose.
The police are expected to make arrests soon, with a special team formed to track down the suspects. The CMRL is also reviewing its security protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.