Woman’s murder triggers panic in Vellore, Tiruvannamalai

Government officials and members of the public on viewing WhatsApp images of the gory incident have called for tough action against the culprits to ensure that such incidents were not repeated.

A district-level officer said, “The incident clearly proves that people have lost their sense of humanity.

What was the need to beat up elderly persons when they repeatedly said in Tamil that they had nothing to do with child lifting?”

Another senior official preferring anonymity said, “It is surprising that political parties who issue statements on sundry issues at the drop of a hat have preferred to remain silent. Even the Chief Minister has not bothered to comment even if it is to ask officials to act immediately.”

Inquiries revealed that the villages near Polur where the incident occurred were notorious for sending men to Andhra Pradesh forests to cut red sander trees.

“They have a vicious mindset which refuses to accept reason once they smell blood and think that physical action is the remedy to all problems,” said a medical professional near Polur.

“That is why in addition to beating up the five persons, they stole their belongings,” the medical professional added.

A former resident of Kommanandhal village near Polur said, “Local residents in these villages resorting to theft is nothing new as they habitually looted coal from steam engines in those days.”

What was needed was a special awareness programme in addition to increased work opportunities to ensure that local youth do not go astray.