M Aswini (left) and the attacker Algesan. (Express photo) M Aswini (left) and the attacker Algesan. (Express photo)

A first-year commerce student, M Aswini (19), was stabbed to death in broad daylight outside her college on Friday. The assailant, Alagesan, was caught by the public and beaten up before he was handed over to the police. Aswini was later shifted to the hospital where she was declared brought dead. The victim was reportedly being stalked by the accused.

The police quoted eyewitnesses as saying that Alagesan first confronted the victim near her college and picked up an argument with her. Then he took out a knife and stabbed her before attempting to flee the scene, but he was caught and thrashed by bystanders.

A college student, Aswini, stabbed to death outside her college in Chennai city by a stalker, who is taken in police custody now after he was caught and beaten up by public. Victim’s body has been shifted to the hospital. @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/u59gYksNNH — Arun Janardhanan (@arunjei) March 9, 2018

The victim hailed from Chennai and was studying in Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research in KK Nagar. The reason behind the attack is not immediately known. The assailant is in police custody and investigation is underway.

The incident has sent shockwaves in the city which comes close on the heels of a similar incident when an IT professional was severely injured in an attack on her way home at midnight on the outskirts of the city.

(With inputs from agencies)

📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest India News, download Indian Express App.