The deceased, Ramachandran, had married the accused, Ganapathipatti-resident Chandran's daughter Aarathi, 21, in June.
Published Oct 13, 2025 | 3:35 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 13, 2025 | 3:35 PM
The woman's family was against Aarathi, belonging to the backwards-class community, Piramalai Kallar community, marrying Ramachandran from the most backward Nayakkar community.
Synopsis: On Sunday, Chandran, 47, accosted Ramachandran when the latter was riding a two-wheeler to collect milk, and hacked him with a sickle near the Periyar irrigation canal bridge after Ayyampalayam village. The younger man died at the crime scene.
In a suspected case of caste-based killing, a 24-year-old dairy farmer was hacked to death, allegedly by his father-in-law, at Ramanayakkanpatti village near Vathalagundu in Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district on Sunday, 12 October.
The deceased, Ramachandran, had married the accused, Ganapathipatti-resident Chandran’s daughter Aarathi, 21, in June. The woman’s family was against Aarathi, belonging to the backwards-class community, Piramalai Kallar community, marrying Ramachandran from the most backward Nayakkar community. Aarathi is pursuing a B.Com degree from a private college in Karur.
Though there was tension between Chandran, a labourer, and Ramachandran after the marriage, the couple lived peacefully later. The girl’s father has long threatened the couple. Even a few days before the murder, Chandran had reportedly threatened to kill both Ramachandran and Aarti.
On Sunday, Chandran, 47, accosted Ramachandran when the latter was riding a two-wheeler to collect milk, and hacked him with a sickle near the Periyar irrigation canal bridge after Ayyampalayam village. The younger man died at the crime scene.
Police said Chandran went into hiding after the murder, but was arrested at his relative’s house.
Senior police officers, including district chief A Pradeep, inspected the crime scene. The incident has caused significant unrest in the area. Police are investigating whether others were involved in planning the murder.
Ramachandran’s murder came less than three months after an IT professional, Kavin Selvaganesh, 27, was allegedly hacked to death by his partner’s brother in Tirunelveli on 27 July.
According to Evidence, an NGO, Tamil Nadu witnessed close to 65 so-called honour killing incidents since 2017.
Following Kavin’s murder, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam moved the Supreme Court for a special law against ‘honour’ killings, saying the current provisions were inadequate. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, the CPI and CPI(M) demanded the state government to bring in special legislation.
