Teen, friend held for murdering grand-aunt

The accused were identified as Gokul (19) of Kolathur, grandnephew of deceased Mallika, and Akash (20) of Tirumullaivoyal. On February 7, Mallika was found dead in her house at Kannapalayam near Avadi and her jewels were missing. The Avadi police had registered a case and launched a hunt for the suspects. On Tuesday, they arrested the duo on suspicion. During interrogation, Gokul allegedly admitted to the murder. He added that he did it with the help of Akash after she refused to give him Rs 20,000. The police said that Gokul is the son of Vijaya, who is the daughter of Mallika’s sister Padma. “Gokul often visits Mallika and takes money as she lived alone after her husband passed away two years ago. Recently, Gokul demanded Rs 20,000 from Mallika to pay advance as his family was shifting to a new house. 

As Mallika refused to give him the money and allegedly yelled at him, infuriated Gokul hatched a plan to kill her and rob her jewels,” the police said. They added that they entered the house covering their faces and strangled Mallika to death. After taking away the jewels, they reached Akash’s house and pledged them in Madhavaram for Rs 30,000. Five sovereigns were seized from them before they were remanded in judicial custody.