Tamil writer held for son’s murder passes away in Madurai

Soundarapandian was recently lodged in Madurai central prison on charges of murdering his son Vipin (25), who was said to be an alcoholic.

Police said that Souba had separated from his wife Latha, principal of the Government Arts College in Kovilpatti, and Vipin, who used to live alternatively with both his parents.

Vipin went missing from April 30 and his mother tried to contact him over phone. As her efforts failed, Latha lodged a complaint, following which police secured Soundarapandian.

During interrogation, Soundarapandian admitted to killing his son by hitting him with a hammer and an iron rod.

Soundrapandian told the police that he took his son’s body and burnt it in his farm near Nilakottai in Dindigul district. Then he had mixed the ashes in the soil at the farm.

Based on his confession, police conducted a thorough check of the farm and collected evidences for the murder.

Meanwhile, Soundarapandian, who was lodged in the Madurai central prison, had to be shifted to the Madurai GRH on May 22 due to high blood pressure and blood sugar levels. His toes were removed at the hospital.

His health condition worsened on Saturday and he suffered a heart attack. Doctors had already informed his kin about his critical health condition and poor chances of survival. Soundarapandian passed away during the wee hours of Monday.

Soundarapandian is a renowned writer in the literary circles in Madurai and was the author of the famous Seevalaperi Pandi series, which was later made into a movie. He had also written series of articles on female infanticide in Usilampatti, which created widespread awareness about the evil practice in the state.