Two arrested for sexually assaulting a 74-year-old woman in a robbery bid in Erode

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A 74-year-old woman living alone was allegedly sexually assaulted and assaulted by two men who entered her house to steal brass items on Friday (June 19, 2026) night in Erode. The woman was injured and taken to hospital. The accused, both construction workers, were arrested on Saturday (June 20).

They were identified as V. Harikumar, 22, and S. Giri alias Kannan, 23, both residents of Bhavani taluk.

According to the police, the two men broke into the woman’s house with the intention of stealing brass items. The woman woke up when she heard the noise and raised the alarm. The defendant allegedly assaulted her, tried to strangle her and sexually assaulted her while under the influence of alcohol. Police said the duo also stole brass utensils, including a brass vessel, worth about ₹7,000 from the house.

The injured woman has been admitted to the Bhavani Government Hospital and is undergoing treatment. Her condition is stable and out of danger, police said.

Acting on a complaint, the police inspected the crime scene and analyzed CCTV footage, which helped identify and track down the suspects. During interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to the acts. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway.

Published – 20 Jun 2026 16:28 IST