CCTV grab helps nab accused in Nellai murder case

Singaram, one of the close associates of slain Dalit leader Pasupathy Pandian was murdered by a gang when he was taken from Palayamkottai central prison to Thoothukudi Court in a Police car, on Friday. Singaram was a key accused in the murder case of Asupathy Pandian, the father of Subash Panniyar, in 1993 and he was the lone survivor. 

Police suspected the hand of Subash Pannaiyar in the murder. Thanks to the CCTV footage that was obtained from a nearby shop at KTC Nagar, police could zero in an accused. Ten others who were suspected to be involved in the murder case were also identified and secured. 

Arulmani from Nagercoil who was identified to be an accused was arrested from Madurai. He revealed a number of details, including the house they had hatched the plot, while interrogation. 

Based on the information police visited the house at Thalayuthu, also in Tirunelveli district. Meanwhile, the house owner had fled the scene and the police are in search of him. It is said that the house owner was a close relative of the fatherin-law of Subash Panniyar. Three cars which were used by the gang for the crime were seized from various areas in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi. Police claim that the arrests and investigation reveal that Singaravelan was murdered aides of Subash Pannaiyar as a revenge. 

Police also suspect that the information about the transfer of Singaram to Thoothukudi Court was informed to the gang by a police constable who was present inside the car. However, Subash Panniyar who was involved in this case and 14 other cases are still at large and is yet to be traced, said the police.