The case involving the gruesome murder of former Tirunelveli Mayor Uma Maheshwari, her husband Murugasankaran and their domestic help has been handed over to the CB-CID by the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police. This development comes merely a day after the Tirunelveli police, who were handling the case, made a breakthrough in their investigation. They nabbed a DMK functionary’s son from his alleged hideout in Madurai in connection with the crime.
Three special teams had been formed by the local police to get to the bottom of the murders which were committed on July 23. On Sunday, one of the teams led by Inspector Periyasamy reportedly picked up 39-year-old Karthikeyan, son of DMK’s Adi Dravida wing deputy secretary, Seeniammal. Police was reportedly suspicious of her because she had a financial dispute with the former Mayor and her husband. Moreover, she was considered a political rival of Uma Maheshwari. However, Seeniammal denied the allegations when confronted by the media.
According to reports, Karthikeyan’s car had been found crossing the site of the crime when CCTV footage from the day was scrutinised. The video was reportedly collected from near the house. A police official had told The Hindu that the department suspects more persons with political connection to be involved in the crime.
Despite the case finally moving forward however, the CB-CID seemed prepared to take over. On Friday, a six member CB-CID team conducted preliminary investigations at the murder site.
So far ,the police have narrowed the motive down to what they suspect to be a murder for gain. According to police investigations, jewellery worn by the victims was reportedly missing when their bodies were found.
While the murder may have taken place between 12 noon and 1 pm, their bodies were found around 5.30 pm by Uma’s brother-in-law Lal Bagathur. All three deceased were found with stab wounds and lying in a pool of blood.
65-year-old Uma was appointed as Tirunelveli Municipality’s Mayor in 1991. She continued in the post later when it was upgraded to a corporation in 1996, holding the position until 2001. In 2011, she had contested from Sankarankovil Assembly seat and lost.
Source: The News Minute