Bodies of woman, 3 children found in well in Dharmapuri

The deceased persons were identified as Nathiya (30) wife of Loganathan (38), a construction labourer, and their sons Sanjay (12), Poovarasan (8) and Nirmal (6). The boys were reportedly studying in Classes 7, 3 and 1 respectively in different government schools.

Police said Nathiya and Loganathan, an alcoholic, often used to have quarrels as Loganathan had allegedly developed an illicit affair. Following a quarrel on the night of July 26, Nathiya went missing from the house next day. Based on a complaint by the parents of Nathiya, the Karimangalam police registered a case. However, Loganathan, who has been taken into custody, has claimed innocence. 

Meanwhile, the villagers spotted the bodies of Sanjay and Poovarasan floating in a farm well on Monday morning. 

Thereafter, the fire and rescue personnel climbed down the steep well, which had no steps, and found Nathiya and her youngest son Nirmal tied together with a cloth. Further, Nathiya’s body was tied to a gunny bag, which had a boulder in it. 

Dharmapuri district Superintendent of Police Bandi Gangadhar visited the site and held enquiries. The bodies of the deceased were then sent for post mortem at Dharmapuri Government Hospital. 

The police suspect that Nathiya had taken the extreme step as she was unable to bear the torture by her husband. However, Nathiya’s father Ganesan has complained alleging Loganathan’s hand in the death in of his daughter and the grandsons. He claimed that they were murdered by Loganathan over family dispute. Further investigation is on.