Ex-minister’s kin murdered in Puducherry

Police said while Balakrishnan (72) was found strangled, his Hemalatha (65), was suffocated to death using a pillow, they said. Police said Balakrishnan was a close relative of former Local Administration Minister C Jayakumar. The neighbours on suspicion informed Jayakumar who rushed to the spot and found their bodies in their bedroom.

Chief Minister V Narayanasamy visited the spot and directed police to expedite the investigation. The almirah in the bedroom was found ransacked, police said. However, the ornaments worn by the woman were found intact,and motive for the murder was not known immediately, they said.