Namakkal elderly woman murder: Two arrested

NAMAKKAL: The Namakkal district police on Tuesday solved the murder case of an elderly woman by arresting two men.

Samiyathal, 65, of Kulathupalayam village in the district was attacked by two unidentified assailants in the early hours of Sunday. The attackers used a saw to inflict severe injuries on her mouth and neck. Her son and relatives rushed her to a private hospital in Coimbatore after she managed to inform them over the phone about the attack. She succumbed to her injuries around 9 am on the same day.

Namakkal superintendent of police S Rajesh Kannan formed four special teams to nab the murderers. The police identified the culprits by interrogating family members, relatives and others as well as by reviewing CCTV footage and analysing cell phone records from the vicinity of the crime. "We arrested both of them in Kulithalai in Karur district," the SP said.

The arrested men have been identified as Anandaraj and Ajithkumar. Anandaraj had previously worked on the Samiyathal's farm and at her daughter's oil mill. "He was dismissed from work as they were not happy with his performance and behaviour," the SP said.

Anandaraj had visited the elderly woman's farm several times since then. His last visit was during Diwali. Her elder daughter, Krishnaveni, reprimanded him for his inadequate performance. Anandaraj harboured resentment towards the elderly woman's family due to feelings of humiliation.

He arrived at Samiyathal farmhouse with his friend Ajith Kumar around 12:30 am on Sunday and brutally murdered her with a saw. After attacking her, the duo fled the scene on a two-wheeler. The police traced the two-wheeler, which was registered in Anandaraj’s name, and arrested the duo.

They were remanded in judicial custody.