Dogs foil alleged assault in Coimbatore

Two dogs intervened to prevent an alleged sexual assault on a woman in Coimbatore, India, early on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The incident, captured on surveillance cameras, occurred near Thudiyalur in the northern suburb of the city. According to police reports, the woman, described as having a mild developmental disorder, was sitting by the roadside near a railway overbridge when a 16-year-old boy from the same locality approached her. CCTV footage showed the boy initially attempting to drive away the two dogs that were with the woman. He then allegedly approached and molested her. The woman began to scream for help. The dogs then reportedly barked aggressively and charged at the boy. Some reports indicate the dogs bit him and pulled at his legs, while others state they chased him away. The intervention allowed the woman to escape unharmed. The boy fled the scene, with at least one dog reportedly pursuing him. The incident came to light when police were reviewing CCTV footage as part of an investigation into an unrelated complaint about a petty shop fire in the same area. Officers noticed the alleged assault attempt and launched a separate inquiry.