Six held for filming assault, posting ‘reel’ with weapons in Trichy

Trichy: Six youths were arrested for allegedly attempting to murder a 22-year-old man, filming the assault with weapons, and uploading it as a social media reel, police said on Sunday.The victim, V Subash, an electrician from Melarasur, was attacked near Orathur in Pullambadi block on April 1. The accused, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, recorded the assault while brandishing weapons. Police said the incident stemmed from a dispute a day earlier, when Subash objected to rash driving by an acquaintance, Paventhan. On April 1, a group — A Saraboji, 25, S Suresh Kumar, 24, R Sivakumar, 20, M Mugilan, 20, S Inbaraj, 19, and N Thillainathan, 20, — allegedly took Subash to a secluded spot near a cremation ground, where they abused and attacked him with weapons. The accused also recorded videos of themselves dancing, mimicking scenes from the Tamil film Ghilli, and waving weapons during the assault. The video was later uploaded on Instagram under the title "Happy Enjoyment". Subash, who sustained injuries, is undergoing treatment at the Trichy Government Hospital after being rescued by passers-by. Based on a complaint filed by his mother Maheswari, Kallakkudi police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to murder, and launched an investigation. All six accused were arrested, while Paventhan remains absconding. Police also released a video compiling the original reel and an apology from the accused. In the clip, the youths urged others not to engage in similar acts. Superintendent of police S Selvanagarathinam warned that strict action would be taken against those who create and share such violent content on social media.