Prisoner stones to death fellow inmate in Kovai

Ramesh, 46, of Hudco Colony near Peelamedu was stoned to death by Vijay, 19, of Perur following a clash over a wordy duel, according to police. The duo was jailed in May in connection with their involvement in separate assault cases in their neighbourhood. According to prison sources, all prisoners were let out of their cells for lunch in the afternoon. 

“After lunch, Vijay was relaxing in the premises when Ramesh spoke ill of his mother. This triggered a deadly clash between the two inmates. An infuriated Vijay picked up a stone and smashed the head of Ramesh resulting in his suffering a critical injury,” police said. 

Other prisoners, who witnessed the fight, informed the prison officials. Ramesh was immediately rushed to the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), however, he died on the way. The body was kept in the CMCH for autopsy. 

On receiving information, the Race Course police reached the prison and held inquiries with the inmates, who witnessed the murder. Inquiries revealed that both Ramesh and Vijay didn’t have any previous enmity and their clash was an outcome of sudden provocation. 

“Both of them were found to be in a mentally disturbed state and were under treatment. Doctors used to examine them thrice a week to check their state of mental wellness and they were taking medicines,” police said. A case has been registered and further inquiries are  under way to ascertain if there was any other motive behind the incident.