In a shocking incident, a 49-year-old man, whose son had married a girl from a different caste, was killed by an armed gang in Dindigul, about 60 km from here, a fortnight ago.
Initially, business rivalry was suspected to be the reason. But, when a team from Evidence, an NGO from Madurai, conducted an on-the-spot inquiry, it transpired that it was a case of revenge killing by the girl’s relatives.
Krishnamoorthy's son Soundarapandi (27) was in love with Priya (24), daughter of Chinnathambi. They belonged to different castes.
Fearing trouble, Soundarapandi and Priya escaped to Tirupur 10 months ago and married in a temple. They registered their wedding in the district.
Based on a complaint from Priya’s father, the Dindigul Taluk police registered a case of kidnap against Soundarapandi, his father, and other relatives. However, after the wedding registration certificate was produced, the case was closed, said the team from Evidence that probed the case.
When Priya’s father and others came to know about it, they allegedly killed Krishnamoorthy in Dindigul on May 7. When the family members conveyed the news of the murder to Soundarapandi, he and Priya escaped from Tirupur. Their whereabouts are not known.
Meanwhile, the Dindigul Taluk police station registered a case of murder against seven of Priya’s relatives, including her brother and remanded them to judicial custody.
Govt. denial
Only in February, former Chief Minister O. Paneerselvam informed the Assembly that there was no honour killing in the State.
However, according to Evidence Executive Director A. Kathir, eight persons had fallen prey to the practice so far.
The government should detain the killers of Krishnamoorthy under Goondas Act and the young couple should be given protection, Mr. Kathir demanded. He also sought adequate compensation to Krishnamoorthy's kin.
