Was the Prime Suspect in the TN Temple Guard Murder Case Shot and Arrested?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two temple guards were murdered in Tamil Nadu.
- The main suspect was apprehended after a police chase.
- CCTV cameras were destroyed, suggesting a planned attack.
- Increased security measures are now in place at local temples.
- Community leaders are advocating for better surveillance systems.
Chennai, Nov 12 (NationPress) The main suspect in the brutal slaying of two temple guards in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district was shot in the leg and apprehended after he attempted to assault police during a pursuit early Wednesday morning. The individual is suspected of having violently killed two night guards at a temple near Rajapalayam. This horrific double murder has left the local community in shock. The incident occurred at the Arulmigu Nachadai Vairavar Swamy Temple, which is under the management of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department.
This temple, situated in a complex close to Rajapalayam, was under the watch of 50-year-old Pechimuthu and 65-year-old Shankarapandiyan during the night. Around 6:45 a.m., Madasamy, the morning shift guard, found both men lying lifeless within the temple grounds, suffering from severe injuries to their necks, hands, and legs.
Evidence suggests foul play, as the CCTV cameras were destroyed and the DVR unit was missing, indicating an intention to erase any trace of the crime. Additionally, the donation box was forcibly opened, with cash strewn about the vicinity.
Forensic specialists arrived to gather evidence, while sniffer dogs assisted in tracking the assailants. Authorities believe the attackers entered the temple intending to steal cash and valuables but were confronted by the guards, resulting in the tragic murders.
After a thorough manhunt, police located the primary suspect, Nagaraj, who is believed to have played a significant role in the double homicide.
When law enforcement attempted to apprehend him, he allegedly attacked the officers and tried to flee. In self-defense, police fired upon him, wounding him in the leg before taking him into custody. He was promptly transported to a government hospital under police surveillance for treatment.
A case has been filed encompassing various charges, including murder and attempted robbery. The Virudhunagar district police have ramped up patrols and have implemented stricter nighttime security measures at all temples in the region.
This shocking act of violence has left both devotees and residents in a state of distress, prompting local leaders to call for the HR&CE Department to enhance surveillance systems to avert such incidents in the future.