Aunt refuses to receive body of Andhra maid

It was Sumitra, the aunt, who brought up Mahalakshmi (19) after the death of her parents at a young age. While Sumitra was employed at a house in Kodambakkam as domestic help, Mahalakshmi was employed at the businessman’s house when the girl from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh was all of 13 years.

Sumitra, who had found work for the girl – then a minor – with the help of an agent, received for Rs one lakh initially, said the police. Her salary of Rs 5,000 a month was sent directly to the aunt. A year ago, the woman had returned to Andhra Pradesh, police added. According to police, the girl’s aunt refused to take home Mahalakshmi’s body despite repeated their requests.

During investigation, police have already arrested Sushimata, a Malaysian woman, wife of businessman Muruganandam, and her cousin Mithrakshi, for allegedly causing the death of the teenaged maid. They are also questioning the businessman to know his role in the death of the girl. However, he pleaded innocence in the case.

Police said that post-mortem examination report is awaited.

Mahalakshmi has been working at the businessman’s house as a domestic worker for the past six years. On Wednesday, she was found dead due to suspected torture by the employers.