Man arrested on charges of rape, murder

The victim, a resident of Acharampatti village in Sivaganga district, could neither hear or speak, said sources. The incident occurred between 10 am and 12 pm when the victim was alone, as her father, a painter, and her mother, a daily wager, were away.

Fingerprint experts and sniffer dogs were summoned to inspect the crime scene. After enquiry, Superintendent of Police T Jayachandran said, the accused hails from the same village.

After the accused had reportedly got access to the house, he attacked the victim with an iron tool on her head, due to which she had fallen unconscious. Manickam had taken her 200 meters away from the house, and raped and strangulated her to death.

Based on a complaint lodged by K Alagu (47), father of the victim, Keelasevalpatti police have registered a case under sections 376 and 302 of IPC, police said.