Published Feb 28, 2026 | 3:32 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 28, 2026 | 3:32 PM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: A 40-year-old DMK youth wing organiser, Periyanayagam, has been arrested in Krishnagiri district after police altered a suspicious death case into charges of murder and POCSO. The 2.5-year-old victim’s post-mortem revealed sexual assault. The accused, allegedly in a relationship with the child’s mother, is now remanded in Dharmapuri prison.
A 40-year-old DMK union-level functionary has been arrested in connection with the death of a 2.5-year-old girl child in Krishnagiri district after police altered the case to include charges of murder and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
As per reports, a couple was living in Keelpennathur village with their toddler. Due to marital differences, the wife separated from husband and moved to her mother’s house with the child. The father would visit the wife’s village occasionally to meet their daughter.
On 11 December, 2025, the mother reportedly took the child to a private hospital in Anchetty, stating that the child had suffered seizures. Doctors there declared the child dead. Suspecting foul play, the father lodged a complaint at the Anchetty police station.
Based on the complaint, police registered a case under suspicious death and initiated an inquiry. The post-mortem report later revealed internal injuries to the child’s private parts, indicating sexual assault.
During investigation, police found that the mother was allegedly in a relationship with Periyanayagam (40), a resident of Kolambai Kaadu near Jesurajapuram, who was serving as a DMK union youth wing organiser in the Anchetty area. The police found that the accused had allegedly sexually assaulted the child on a day when the mother was not at home.
According to a police statement, a case was initially registered under suspicious death and an investigation was carried out.
Later, based on the report received stating that the child had died due to sexual assault, the case was altered on 26 February to include charges of murder and POCSO.
Periyanayagam, son of Madhalaimuthu, a resident of the Kombai Kaadu area of Jesurajapuram village, was arrested and remanded to judicial custody. He has been lodged in Dharmapuri district prison.
