In a brutal act of vengeance following a broken relationship, a 23-year-old salesman murdered his ex-girlfriend by slitting her throat inside a garment store in Anna Nagar West, on Tuesday evening. The man immediately attempted suicide in a similar fashion and is now battling for his life. The murder was recorded on a CCTV camera at the store.
Police sources said the murder took place at around 4.30 p.m., when the store ‘Waves’ on Thirumangalam–Ambattur Estate Road was bustling with customers.
The victim M. Bhavani (19), a resident of Gandhi Nagar, Padi Kuppam Road and a salesperson at the store, was confronted by her ex-boyfriend Muruganandham of Kamarajar Nagar, Padi Kuppam Road.
“He suddenly drew a small knife from his pocket and slit Bhavani’s throat. As she collapsed on the floor and colleagues rushed to her aid, Muruganandham slit his throat with the knife,” said Frank. D. Ruban, Inspector of Police, Thirumangalam.
Staff at the store rushed the man and the woman in auto rickshaws to a private hospital nearby. But Bhavani died on the way due to heavy blood loss, while Muruganandham was given first aid and was later shifted to the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital. His condition is said to be critical.
Investigating officer Ruban added that the motive behind the murder was vengeance as a result of anger over Bhavani recently entering into a relationship with another salesman.
Muruganadham, who is a salesperson at the store for the past couple of years, was in a relationship with Bhavani after she joined the store a year ago. They parted ways in March following which Bhavani quit her job. Last month she returned to work and was being confronted by Muruganadham over her new relationship.
“Having decided to kill Bhavani and commit suicide, Muruganadham purchased a pocket knife six days ago and was awaiting the right moment. He attacked her on Tuesday evening right behind the sales counter on the ground floor of the store. We have collected the footage of the murder which was recorded on the CCTV camera on the floor,” Mr, Ruban added.
Thirumangalam police have registered a case of murder and are further investigating.
