Who Were Arrested in the TN Elderly Couple Murder Case?

Chennai, May 19 (NationPress) Authorities have apprehended three individuals in relation to the shocking murder of an elderly couple in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu that occurred on April 28, according to police reports released on Monday.

The suspects have also purportedly admitted to their participation in a triple homicide that took place in Tiruppur district in November 2024, which is currently under investigation by the CB-CID.

The individuals arrested are identified as P. Aachiappan (48), N. Madeswaran (52), and R. Ramesh (54), all local residents of Arachalur in Erode.

The victims, Ramasamy (72) and his spouse Bakkiyam (63) from Megaraiyan Thottam, Uchimedu near Sivagiri, were discovered murdered in their home on May 1, three days after the incident.

The assailants reportedly stole 10.75 sovereigns of gold jewelry. This heinous act sparked widespread anger, with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami among those denouncing the crime.

The Sivagiri police have opened a case under Sections 332(a), 103, and 311 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Twelve specialized teams were assembled to probe the incident, supported by over 600 police personnel.

Investigators meticulously analyzed CCTV footage, scrutinized call detail records (CDRs), and interrogated various individuals, including migrant and local farm laborers, former inmates, and other potential suspects.

One suspect was apprehended during a vehicle inspection at Arachalur on May 17, which led to the capture of the other two. All three were taken to the Kadathur police station, where they allegedly confessed.

Police indicated that the trio targeted the couple after realizing they lived alone. The attackers struck Bakkiyam with a wooden log when she went outside at midnight. Her husband, prompted by the noise, rushed out and met the same fate. The assailants mutilated the woman’s ear and finger before fleeing with jewelry and a mobile phone.

During the inquiry, police managed to recover the stolen gold, the victim’s phone, three motorcycles used in the crime, the weapon, and gloves. A goldsmith named Gyanasekaran from Chennimalai Palayam, who melted the jewelry and returned it to the accused, has also been arrested.

Inspector General of Police (West Zone) T. Senthil Kumar informed reporters that CCTV footage played a pivotal role in cracking the case. He disclosed that Aachiappan, a coconut trader, had visited the victims weeks prior and noted their solitude.

The suspects also reportedly confessed to the triple homicide of Deivasigamani (78), his wife Alamathal (74), and their son Senthil Kumar (44) in Semalaigoundanpalayam, Tiruppur, on November 28, 2024. The accused stole 5.5 sovereigns of gold and a phone in that case.

All four suspects, including the goldsmith, were presented in court in Elumathur and placed in judicial custody. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Coimbatore Range) V. Sasi Mohan and District Superintendent of Police A. Sujatha were present for the press briefing.