Have Coimbatore Police Formed Teams to Investigate the 'Murder' of an Inmate at Pollachi Centre?
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Synopsis
A troubling investigation unfolds as Coimbatore Police probe the suspicious death of a young man with ADHD at a care home in Pollachi. Families are left seeking answers amidst allegations of abuse and negligence. What will emerge from this shocking incident?
Key Takeaways
- Coimbatore Police initiated an investigation into the suspected murder of a 23-year-old with ADHD.
- Two suspects have been detained in connection with the case.
- The care home has been shut down due to violations and allegations of abuse.
- CCTV footage raised doubts about the care home's initial claims.
- Authorities are working to reunite rescued residents with their families.
Chennai, May 24 (NationPress) The Coimbatore District (Rural) Police have initiated a thorough inquiry into the suspected murder of a 23-year-old male diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), who was residing at a care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Pollachi.
To address this grave situation, six specialized police teams have been established. Two individuals linked to the facility have been apprehended, while four others are currently evading authorities.
The victim has been identified as S. R. Varunkanth, the son of T. Ravikumar and Banumathi, who are residents of Amman Nagar, Karavali Mathappur.
Varunkanth was admitted to the Yuthira Charitable Trust (Special Children Care and Training Centre) located at Rathinasabapathy Puram on February 4 for rehabilitation purposes.
His family had consented to a monthly payment of Rs 40,000 and had made a donation of Rs 50,000 out of a promised total of Rs 1 lakh.
They were allowed to visit Varunkanth only once every six months, as reported by police.
Initially, the facility claimed that Varunkanth had gone missing during an outing to Aliyar Dam on May 12.
In response to this information, his father filed a missing persons report with the Aliyar Police on May 15. While the trust initially cooperated with the investigation, inconsistencies began to surface.
CCTV footage from Aliyar Dam showed no signs of the youth ever being there. Subsequently, the family received distressing information that Varunkanth had been physically harmed by staff members on May 12.
A shocking video surfaced, depicting him sitting on the ground with significant injuries. Concerned about these discrepancies, the family approached Superintendent of Police K. Karthikeyan on Thursday.
The case was subsequently transferred to the Mahalingapuram Police Station, which holds jurisdiction over the care facility.
Shortly thereafter, all six suspects, including staff and trustees, went into hiding. However, two were later apprehended. During questioning, the detained suspects admitted that Varunkanth had died due to abuse and his body was buried on a farm owned by the trust in S. Nagoor near Naduppuni.
Efforts to exhume the body on Friday were unsuccessful, as the precise burial location could not be determined. Officials from the District Differently-Abled Welfare Department confirmed that 26 residents were at the facility. Following this incident, many were relocated to their homes.
Alarmingly, seven residents had been forcibly taken to a relative's house belonging to one of the suspects in Pollachi.
Six of these individuals were rescued on Thursday, and one more on Friday. Police and welfare officials are actively working to reunite them with their families.
According to official sources, the care home was accredited by the Commissionerate for the Welfare of the Differently-Abled on May 12 based on its performance over the previous three years, although it did not receive any government funding.
The institution has now been shut down due to violations related to fee collection and the ongoing criminal investigation.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of a thorough investigation into the alleged murder of S. R. Varunkanth. The safety and dignity of individuals in care facilities must be prioritized, ensuring accountability for those responsible. This case raises significant concerns over the treatment of vulnerable populations and the need for stricter regulations.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to S. R. Varunkanth?
S. R. Varunkanth, a 23-year-old man with ADHD, is suspected to have been murdered while staying at a care home in Pollachi.
What actions have been taken by the police?
Coimbatore Police have formed six teams to investigate the case and have detained two suspects while four others remain at large.
What are the allegations against the care home?
The care home is accused of negligence and abuse, with reports suggesting Varunkanth was physically harmed by staff members.
How many residents were at the care home?
There were 26 residents at the care home, and following the incident, most have been relocated.
What measures are being taken for the other residents?
Authorities are working to rescue and reunite the residents with their families, following concerns of forced relocation.
