The Saravanampatti police in Coimbatore have made a crucial breakthrough in a shocking murder case, arresting the second accused involved in the brutal killing of a woman who repeatedly pledged fake gold ornaments at a local pawn shop. The arrest brings the investigation closer to completion after the prime accused, the shop owner, had already surrendered.
Arrest Made from Rathinapuri Hideout
On Saturday, police officers apprehended S Mahendren, aged 33, a resident of Rathinapuri. The arrest took place in the evening when police tracked him down to a hideout located near Rathinapuri. This development followed the earlier surrender of the main accused, pawn shop owner M Rajaram, aged 53, also from Rathinapuri. Rajaram had turned himself in to Chinnavedampatti village administration officer G Pandi immediately after the crime was committed, who subsequently handed him over to the police.
Deception and Deadly Assault Over Fake Gold
The victim has been identified as P Sudha, a 39-year-old native of Uthangarai in Krishnagiri district. The tragic incident occurred on December 17. According to police, Sudha had visited Rajaram's pawn shop on three previous occasions, successfully pledging what were later discovered to be fake gold ornaments for a total of ₹1.38 lakh.
After the third transaction, Rajaram grew suspicious. He took the ornaments to an appraiser, who confirmed they were counterfeit. When Sudha returned for a fourth time, attempting to pledge more fake jewellery for ₹90,000, the situation turned violent. Rajaram, with the assistance of Mahendren, allegedly beat her to death on the premises.
Police Investigation Clarifies Accused Count
An investigating officer provided details of the sequence of events. "After the third visit, Rajaram became suspicious of her and took the gold ornaments she pledged to an appraiser, who confirmed they were fake. When she visited the shop to deceive him for the fourth time, Rajaram beat her to death with the help of Mahendren. While Rajaram surrendered, Mahendren went into hiding," the officer stated.
Initially, police reports suggested the involvement of three individuals in the murder. However, further investigation revealed that only Rajaram and Mahendren were directly involved in the crime. The arrest of Mahendren now means both individuals allegedly responsible for the woman's death are in police custody as the legal process moves forward.
