In a new twist to a man missing case registered in S.S. Colony police station limits three days ago, the police amended it by registering a murder case against a pastor and others on Friday.
On Tuesday, the police had registered a man missing case.
According to the complaint, Thangapandi (58) son of Bhagavathi Thevar of Ellis Nagar here was missing since February 16. Three special teams were formed to search for him.
Investigation revealed that Thangapandi was dealing in money lending and real estate businesses. He was related to Madurai West Congress MLA K.S.K. Rajendran and had undergone a by-pass surgery recently.
Meanwhile, a half burnt body was allegedly found in a deep forest somewhere near Nilakottai in Dindigul district on Thursday. Following information, the special team inspected the spot. As there were some problems in establishing the identity of the victim, the police decided to seek medical experts’ assistance.
Under such circumstances, two accused surrendered in Dindigul and Palladam courts on Friday in this connection. Based on their confession, the police realised that a conspiracy to kidnap and eliminate Thangapandi was hatched by a gang hired by a pastor identified as Justin son of Fredrick Pitchai of Malar Ezhil Veethi, Bethaniapuram. He was associated with the Madras Pentecostal Church here, police said.
As Thangapandi had repeatedly demanded repayment of the money he had advanced to the pastor, which was a little over Rs.20 lakh, the gang had decided to eliminate him. Under the guise of settlement of the debt, Thangapandi was asked to come to a location near Goripalayam. From there, the gang proceeded to the railway station. After parking his (Thangapandi’s) vehicle there, the gang took him to an undisclosed destination. Though the exact manner in which he was done to death was not known, police said that in a bid to hide the crime, they had burnt the body and abandoned it. Apart from a case under Section 302 of Indian Penal Code, a case of conspiracy among others had also been registered.
Further investigation is on.
