Conservancy worker murdered, jewellery looted in Chennai's Tiruverkadu

CHENNAI: A 55-year-old woman sanitation worker was murdered at her house in the Annalakshmi Nagar area of Tiruverkadu, and her jewellery, around 8-sovereign of gold, was stolen. Police have arrested one person and are searching for the suspected main accused.

The deceased, Hemavathi, worked as a cleanliness worker with the Greater Chennai Corporation in Valasaravakkam, and had not been seen outside her house for the past two days.

Neighbours alerted the Tiruverkadu police after noticing a foul smell emanating from the house. Police, who entered her house, found Hemavathi’s decomposed body. Preliminary investigation indicated that she had been smothered with a pillow. Police suspected that she had died around two days before the body was found.

During the investigation, police learnt that Aakash (30), a resident of the same locality, had visited her house shortly before her death. Police subsequently detained his friend, Nithish, for questioning.

According to police, Aakash had been visiting a nearby temple to play the udukai. Hemavathi had reportedly told him to play the instrument at a temple located near her house as well. Police suspected that Aakash became familiar with her and later learnt that she was alone at home.

Investigators suspected that Aakash entered the house two days ago, smothered Hemavathi with a pillow and fled with her jewellery. Police said Nithish’s role in the incident was also being investigated. A search is under way to trace Aakash, who is absconding.