Sanitary staff at DSP office in Tirupattur held for murder of fruit vendor

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Tirupattur Superintendent of Police Akshay Anil Wakhare inspected the godown in Tirupattur town on Wednesday where the aged fruit vendor was found dead a few days ago. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Tirupattur Town police have arrested a sanitary staff at the Intelligence Unit of the Office of Deputy Superintendent of Police in Tirupattur town on Wednesday for reportedly murdering a 68-year-old fruit vendor after stealing cash and gold ornaments from her.

The 44-year-old accused was identified as V. Ramu, a native of Poigai village in Vellore. He is married and has two children. Initial inquiry revealed that Ramu was working for more than a decade with the unit at the DSP Office in Tirupattur. The deceased, L. Santhammal, a resident of Tirupattur, was running a fruit shop on the roadside near the DSP office. Ramu befriended her following his regular visits to the shop.

Police said that on May 26, victim Santhammal closed her shop early due to cloudy weather. She went to keep her unsold fruits in the godown as she had planned to visit her daughter in Konambedu village near the town.

Police said that Ramu told investigators that he followed her on the day and as he tried to rob her gold ornaments and cash, Santhammal raised an alarm. Owing to the fear of getting caught, Ramu stabbed her on the neck and she died on the spot.

Police said that special teams analysed CCTV footage on the route and mobile phone signals. They found that the mobile phone signal of Ramu was also present in the area. When questioned, Ramu confessed to the crime. A case was registered. Ramu was lodged in the sub-jail in Tirupattur and further probe is under way.