Thoothukudi couple killed in suspected honour killing

According to Thoothukudi Superintendent of Police Arun Balagopalan, T.Solairaj (24), a saltpan worker, eloped with co-worker A.Jothi (24), despite stiff resistance from the girl’s parents three months ago. The couple belonged to different groups of the same community.

When the couple was sleeping at the courtyard in front of their house, an armed gang reportedly attacked them indiscriminately with sickles in the wee hours of Thursday. Jothi’s left wrist was injured when she attempted to resist the attack. Both of them sustained multiple cut injuries on the neck, head, face and chest. They died on the spot after which the gang sped under the cover of darkness, he said.  The murder came to light late this morning when Solairaj’s mother came to the house to see them. The bodies were then sent to the government medical college hospital for post-mortem.

Angered by the couple’s death, their relatives staged a protest at Kulathur demanding immediate arrest of the accused and also sought compensation of Rs. 25 lakh and government jobs to each of the victim’s families. However, officials from the Departments of Revenue and Police convinced the agitating relatives after stating that their demands would be fulfilled.

Meanwhile, the Nalattinputhur police while conducting a vehicle check, picked up a person identified as Alagar, who is believed to be Petchiammal’s father. After interrogation, he was arrested and handed over to the Kulathur police, sources said. Further investigation is on.