In a shocking turn of events, Coimbatore police have arrested a relative of the victim for his alleged involvement in a brutal murder that took place at a women's hostel this past weekend. The Rathinapuri police disclosed on Monday that the maternal uncle of the deceased woman was taken into custody for accompanying the prime accused, her husband, to the location of the crime.
The Grisly Crime and Immediate Aftermath
The incident occurred on Sunday at a women's hostel in Coimbatore. The victim, identified as Sri Priya, was allegedly hacked to death by her husband, Balamurugan, using a sickle. The attack happened in the portico hall of the hostel after an argument broke out during a meeting. In a macabre twist, Balamurugan later posted a selfie with his wife's body on WhatsApp. He was subsequently arrested on Sunday morning.
Uncle's Complicity and Failed Intervention
The arrested man is Raja, a 40-year-old from Tirunelveli and the maternal uncle of Sri Priya. According to police investigations, Balamurugan had met Raja a few days before the murder and confessed his intention to kill his wife over suspicions of an extramarital affair. At that time, Raja reportedly advised him to remain calm and not take any drastic steps.
However, the situation escalated on Saturday. Balamurugan approached Raja again, this time claiming he wanted to reconcile with his wife and needed help locating her in Coimbatore. Believing this, Raja agreed to assist. The duo traveled to Coimbatore together on Saturday, and Raja led Balamurugan directly to the women's hostel where Sri Priya was staying.
Fatal Meeting at the Hostel
Upon arrival, Balamurugan and Raja introduced themselves to the hostel warden as the husband and uncle of Sri Priya, requesting to meet her. A meeting was arranged in the portico hall. What began as a conversation quickly turned violent. An argument erupted, during which Balamurugan pulled out a sickle and launched a fatal attack on Sri Priya, killing her on the spot.
The police case highlights that by facilitating Balamurugan's access to the victim under false pretenses, Raja played a critical role in enabling the crime, leading to his arrest for accompanying the accused to the scene.
Legal Repercussions and Ongoing Probe
Both Balamurugan and Raja are now in police custody. The Rathinapuri police are continuing their investigation into the full sequence of events and the motivations behind the crime. This case has underscored the severe consequences of domestic disputes turning violent and the legal accountability of those who aid in such acts, even indirectly.
The brutal murder has sent shockwaves through the local community in Coimbatore, raising concerns about safety in residential hostels and the deadly outcomes of unresolved marital conflicts.
