Accused in double murder case dies in custody

A murder accused who was caught by the public and roughed up after he killed a former merchant navy captain and his wife here, died in custody on Tuesday, a top police official said.

Some of the items including a revolver, cash and jewels seized from the gunman in Chennai. The accused reportedly died in custody. Photo: M Karunakaran

Rajan was "roughed up" by the public who caught him and he was found with 'external injuries' while being handed over to police, he said.

Mr. Rajendiran said he had "developed some problems," and was declared "brought dead" at a private hospital. However, post-mortem and RDO probe would confirm the cause of death, Mr. Rajendiran said.

Rajan demanded money at gunpoint after gaining entry into Elangovan's farm-house near here on Monday and went from room to room searching for cash. However, disappointed with what he got, Rajan subsequently opened fire using a country-made pistol, first killing Ramani and then Elangovan, injuring their daughter-in-law Vasanthi in the process, he said.

A sum of Rs 2.5 lakh and gold ornaments weighing seven sovereigns were recovered from him. He inflicted injuries on one of Elangovan's grandchildren but was overpowered by the car driver and others after Vasanthi raised an alarm, Mr. Rajendiran said. The case appeared to be a 'murder for gain'. "We are also looking if he had any accomplices," he said.