Man found dead near wife’s grave near Gummidipoondi

The deceased, Sivakumar (40) from Kondamanallur village, was a lorry driver, whose wife Ambika had died eight months ago due to health reasons. Sivakumar had built a cemetery for her at the burial site in Karadiputhur village, police said, adding that he was found dead there on Tuesday. A pesticide bottle was found near his body.

Villagers gathered at the spot to stage a protest and did not allow police to remove the body for autopsy. Protesters claimed that there was a dispute between Sivakumar and Ambika’s relatives, and a complaint was lodged at Pathirivedu police station after they attacked him on September 21. Villagers were shocked over his sudden death, and suspect that it may not be a suicide.

Gummidipoondi DSP Kalpana Dutt held talks with the villagers, and on her promise that the death would be probed, protesters dispersed after four hours. Pathirivedu police have registered a case on the suspicious death and further inquiry is on.