Deaf-Mute Man Murdered in Tiruvallur, Body Recovered from Septic Tank
In a shocking case from Tamil Nadu, the body of a 26-year-old hearing and speech-impaired man was discovered dumped in a septic tank in Tiruvallur district, more than two months after his disappearance. Two individuals, including the victim's co-worker, have been taken into custody by the police in connection with this brutal crime.
Case Revived by Madras High Court Intervention
The investigation, which had been stalled at the Puzhal police station since December 26, gained momentum only after the Madras High Court issued an order on a habeas corpus petition filed by the victim's relative. The court's directive prompted authorities to intensify their efforts to locate the missing man, Mahendran, a native of Tenkasi district who worked at a textile firm godown in Madhavaram.
Mahendran vanished without a trace one day, leading his family to file a missing person complaint with the Puzhal police on December 26 after waiting approximately 20 days. With no progress in the initial inquiry, the family turned to the judiciary, seeking the high court's intervention to trace the victim.
Police Investigation Uncovers Crucial Evidence
Following the court's orders, a special police team led by Assistant Commissioner Shibu Kumar meticulously examined Mahendran's mobile phone records. This scrutiny revealed frequent contact with his colleague, 30-year-old Lawrence, who is also hearing impaired. Call records indicated that Lawrence's phone was used to communicate with Mahendran around the time of his disappearance.
Further analysis uncovered that another individual, 43-year-old Vaidyanathan, had used Lawrence's phone after Mahendran went missing. Based on this evidence, police detained both Lawrence and Vaidyanathan for questioning.
Confession Reveals Gruesome Details of the Crime
During interrogation, conducted with the assistance of a sign language interpreter, Lawrence confessed to the murder. He admitted to killing Mahendran following a personal dispute and concealing the body in a septic tank. According to police statements, the accused lured Mahendran to Lawrence's house in Putlur under the false pretense of helping him change his Aadhaar card address to Tiruvallur.
After consuming alcohol together, Lawrence and Vaidyanathan allegedly strangled Mahendran with a belt. They then tied his body with a rope and dumped it in a septic tank near Lawrence's residence. Acting on this confession, the police team retrieved Mahendran's body from the septic tank and sent it to the Tiruvallur Government Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Accused Remanded to Judicial Custody
The two accused were produced before a magistrate and have been remanded in judicial custody. This case highlights the critical role of judicial oversight in ensuring police accountability and the importance of thorough investigative procedures, especially in cases involving vulnerable individuals like those with disabilities.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising concerns about safety and justice for marginalized groups. Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the murder, with the hope of delivering justice for Mahendran and his grieving family.
