P. Ramachandran (53), Deputy Tahsildar, was arrested along with three others on the charge of conniving to murder his wife, Superintendent of Police Ashwin M. Kotnis said here on Friday.
Vijayalakshmi (43) was found dead in her house with cut injuries on her neck on January 9 . Sipcot police filed a case under Sections 302, 452, 379 and 120 (b) of IPC after Vijayalakshmi’s son Praveen Paulraj (21) lodged a complaint.
Though several efforts were taken to nab the accused, the police were left clueless. The case emerged as a challenge to police personnel. A special team led by Assistant Superintendent of Police P. Arun Sakthi Kumar held inquiries with the neighbours at the scene of crime and analysed call details of suspects to crack the case.
M. Murugesan alias Murugesa Pandian (53) of Caldwell Colony, Tuticorin, and his brother in-law A. Kanagapandian (24) of Viraganur, Madurai, were arrested on June 18 and they confessed to their involvement in the murder of Vijayalakshmi over a family dispute for which the Deputy Tahsildar paid money to them.
Investigations revealed that Ramachandran, along with the three hired killers including, K. Pugalraj (22) of Chottayanthopu, Tuticorin, went to the house when Vijayalakshmi was alone and allegedly murdered her and fled the scene with a 20 gram gold chain worn by the victim.
The weapons used in the crime and the chain were seized and the accused were remanded in judicial custody. Congratulating the special team, Mr. Kotnis offered a cash reward of Rs. 5,000 to the members.
