Published Sep 29, 2026 | 3:34 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 29, 2026 | 3:34 PM
Murder. (Representative image)
Synopsis: According to the preliminary information, a family temple belonging to Senthilkumar (40) is located near their houses. A dispute had reportedly been ongoing between Dalton’s family and Senthilkumar over parking a car on land near the temple.
A dispute over parking space near a family temple in Manipuram, Nellai Town, turned violent on Tuesday, 29 September, resulting in the deaths of two brothers and injuries to two others.
The deceased have been identified as Nicholas Rajarathinam (78) and Dalton (76), residents of Manipuram. They were among four brothers who had previously worked in Kuwait and had returned to their hometown. The brothers currently live in separate houses within the same compound.
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According to the preliminary information, a family temple belonging to Senthilkumar (40) is located near their houses. A dispute had reportedly been ongoing between Dalton’s family and Senthilkumar over parking a car on land near the temple.
Senthilkumar, who works as a welder in Chennai, had recently returned to his hometown on leave. On Tuesday morning, he was travelling through the area on a two-wheeler when an argument broke out between him and Naren, Dalton’s son, near the temple.
The argument allegedly escalated into a physical altercation. Nicholas Rajarathinam rushed to the spot to intervene. Police said Senthilkumar allegedly took out a knife he had concealed and attacked Nicholas multiple times.
When Dalton came from his house after witnessing the incident and attempted to stop Senthilkumar, he was also allegedly attacked with the knife.
Meanwhile, Naveen, Naren’s cousin, reportedly attempted to wrest the knife from Senthilkumar. During the ensuing scuffle, both Naveen and Senthilkumar sustained knife injuries.
All four injured men were taken to hospitals by nearby residents. Dalton died on the way to Nellai Government Medical College Hospital, while Nicholas Rajarathinam, who was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Nellai Junction, died shortly afterwards.
Naveen and Senthilkumar are currently undergoing intensive treatment at Nellai Government Medical College Hospital.
Nellai Junction Police Inspector Senthil Thangadurai has registered a case and is conducting an investigation. Nellai City Police Commissioner Shekar Sanjay Deshmukh and East City Deputy Commissioner Saravanan inspected the scene. Police are also examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
The daylight double murder in Nellai city has caused considerable shock in the area.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
