Tragedy at Collector's Office: Woman Constable Found Dead with Gunshot Wound in Tamil Nadu

Woman Constable Found Dead with Gunshot Wound in Tamil Nadu

In a deeply disturbing development, a 29-year-old woman police constable was found dead with a gunshot wound inside the Nagapattinam District Collectorate early Sunday morning. The deceased, identified as Abhinaya, hailed from Manakudi in Mayiladuthurai district and was part of the Armed Reserve police force.

Found Dead While on Night Duty

Abhinaya was posted as an armed night guard at the Collectorate and had reported for duty on Saturday night, accompanied by another woman constable. According to initial reports, a gunshot was heard around 6:00 am on Sunday. The accompanying officer rushed to the scene and found Abhinaya lying on the floor, bleeding from a gunshot wound to the left side of her neck.

Authorities were immediately alerted.

Investigation Underway

Senior officers, including the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Armed Reserve) and a local Inspector, arrived at the scene and initiated a preliminary inquiry. Abhinaya’s body has since been sent to the Nagapattinam District Government Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

The area has been sealed for forensic analysis, and officials say the cause of the gunfire—whether accidental or deliberate—remains unclear. No official statement has been made confirming the nature of the incident, pending further investigation.

Rising Concerns Over Safety of Women Police Personnel

This tragic incident adds to a growing list of violent episodes involving women police officers in Tamil Nadu:

• In February 2025, a female Sub-Inspector in Sivaganga district was allegedly assaulted inside a police station by a political party leader and his associates.

• In the same month, a 25-year-old woman constable in Chennai was attacked and robbed of her gold chain near a railway station. The accused was eventually caught by the public.

• In September 2024, a woman Deputy Superintendent of Police was physically assaulted by protesters in Virudhunagar district, with reports stating her hair was pulled during a clash.

These incidents raise urgent questions about the safety, mental health support, and working conditions provided to women officers, especially those working under stressful or isolated conditions.

A Call for Institutional Reforms and Mental Health Support

As the investigation into Abhinaya’s death continues, voices are growing louder demanding systemic reforms. There are renewed calls for:

• Improved mental health screening and counseling for officers

• Enhanced safety protocols for lone duty posts

• Gender-sensitive reforms across the law enforcement infrastructure

This case is being closely watched across Tamil Nadu, with many hoping for clarity, justice, and policy reform in its aftermath.