The Madurai City All Women Police Station (South) has arrested and booked two share autorickshaw drivers under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act following the sexual harassment of a class 12 student at a city bus stop.

The swift action has brought widespread appreciation for the city’s specialised Singappen patrol team which was kicked off just two days ago in the city.

The victim, a higher secondary student, was waiting at a bus stop on June 12 at South Gate area to return home after school hours when a share autorickshaw approached and harassed her. The distressed student immediately alerted the Singappen police personnel stationed on duty nearby.

Responding instantly, the Singappen team rushed to the spot, consoled the victim, and recorded the details of the ordeal. They promptly notified her father and escorted them to the All Women Police Station (South), where an official complaint was filed and a case subsequently registered.

An investigation was launched at the crime scene and adjacent autorickshaw stands. Utilising field intelligence from the on-duty patrol team, the police tracked down and arrested the primary accused M. Mohamed Ibrahim, 65, a resident of Panaiyakulam, a share autorickshaw driver.

The police also arrested another driver, P. Abbas, 55, of Alangulam, for deliberately misleading investigators, concealing the truth, and protecting the accused during the initial probe.

Both men have been booked under POCSO and remanded in judicial custody.

Madurai City Commissioner of Police Kapil Kumar C. Saratkar commended the exemplary efficiency of the Singappen team, comprising Woman Sub-Inspector Dhanabhakiyalakshmi, and Woman Head Constables Thenmozhi and Tamilarasi.

The police personnel were presented with official certificates of appreciation for their rapid intervention, victim support, and crucial assistance in apprehending the culprits.