CHENNAI: A 55-year-old woman was arrested for brutally murdering her daughter-in-law near Sankarapuram in Kallakurichi district, after luring her on the pretext of performing rituals to resolve family disputes, Daily Thanthi reported.
Police said the accused, Christophmary, a resident of Viriyur, killed her daughter-in-law Nandhini (29) by slashing her throat on the banks of the Manimuthar river on the outskirts of Sankarapuram on December 29. Her friend Emily (52) was also arrested for aiding the crime. During interrogation, Christobmary reportedly gave a confession, detailing the murder.
Nandhini, originally from Valaiyampattu village near Sankarapuram, was earlier married to Raja, a labourer, with whom she had a son and a daughter. Raja died by suicide seven years ago. Three years ago, Nandhini married physiotherapist Maria Rosario (36), son of Christobmary. The marriage was opposed by the mother-in-law, leading to frequent quarrels between the two.
According to police, Christobmary admitted that she resented her son’s second marriage and decided to eliminate Nandhini so she could arrange another marriage for him. She said she pretended to reconcile with her daughter-in-law for four months while plotting the murder with Emily.
On the day of the crime, the duo took Nandhini to a secluded spot near the river, claiming they would perform rituals. While Emily pretended to conduct prayers, Christobmary attacked Nandhini from behind, beheaded her and buried the head and body separately along the riverbank before returning home as if nothing had happened.
The crime came to light after Maria Rosario lodged a police complaint. Sankarapuram police registered a case and arrested both women. Further investigation is under way.