Man murders son, attempts suicide in Erode

Ramesh Kumar (45), a medical representative, was living with his wife Revathi (40) and son Saran (16) at Selva Nagar in Kumarankuttai, Erode city. Revathi worked in a private car showroom and Saran was a Class 10 student of a private school. Preliminary inquiries revealed that Ramesh was addicted to liquor and was irregular to work over the last three months. 

Neighbours told police that there were frequent quarrels between the couple over Ramesh’s addiction and being irregularity to work. On Tuesday evening, Ramesh decided to end his life but also decided to kill Saran, fearing that the boy would have no one to take care of him if he died.

In the evening, Ramesh made Saran drink water mixed with sleeping pills. After the boy lost consciousness, Ramesh took an overdose of sleeping pills. He then carried the boy to the bathroom and laid him down on the floor. Ramesh then opened the tap and lay down next to his son. Revathi, who was at work was unaware of the incident. 

Around 9 pm, neighbours noticed water coming out of the house. Since the door was locked and nobody answered the bell, they broke in and were shocked to see the father and son unconscious in a pool of water, about one foot deep. They rushed the duo to the Erode Government Hospital where doctors declared Saran brought dead. 

Ramesh, who was in critical condition is said to be out of danger. Police said that the reason behind the incident will be known only after inquiring Ramesh, who has been booked under section 302 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) (Punishment for murder). An autopsy was performed on Saran’s body on Wednesday.