Wife learnt about Inspector’s death on television

Banu Rekha, who had already guessed that something unpleasant was afoot, was in for a rude shock when she come to know that Periyapandian was shot dead in Rajasthan, while trying to nab the burglars of the Kolathur heist. “He would call every day and ask his sons — Ruben and Rahul — to get ready to school and not to trouble me, since I should also get ready to work. I told him not to risk his life and asked him to come back, even if he couldn’t arrest the burglars. He told me they were almost about to arrest the main accused and will come back home soon,” said Banu Rekha, weeping inconsolably. 

Her former colleague Shanthi said could not believe her eyes when she saw Periyapandian’s photo being flashed on news channels stating that he had been shot dead. “Every time I saw his name in the newspapers, I would call Banu and congratulate her. I even teased her once, saying her husband resorts to cinematic methods to trace the culprits, like he cracked a kidnap case in just one day, by tracking mobile numbers. He was attached to the Poonamallee Police Station. But this time, I do not know how to face her,” said Shanthi, who had come to console Banu. “For every woman, her husband means everything. Banu’s loss is unbearable. Periyapandian was very sincere and dedicated to his job and I have never seen him misuse his power. We all have a very high regard for him,” she added. A neighbour recounted that he was a composed personality who would not shy away to do the needful for the residents of the locality. 

G Geetha, Periyapandian’s former colleague when she was an SI in Aminjikarai a few years ago, said Periyapandian had been a good friend for about 15 years. “He would always be part of some special teams. That’s why he was selected for this Rajasthan operation,” she said.

Ruben (17), the elder son of Periyapandian, said that his father has not beat him even once, despite being a cop. 

“He asked me not to join the Police force, saying the life of a cop is extremely difficult. He left for Rajasthan last Friday around 2 30 am. That was the last time I saw him,” said Ruben, a first year BSc Physics student at Loyola College. 

Ruben’s friends had turned up in large numbers at their residence. His younger brother, Rahul, a Class 8 student, was by Ruben’s side. He watched everything, teary-eyed.