Woman dies as jewel thief gives poison-mixed drink to aged couple

Sources said the man, who claimed to be from Ramanathapuram district, approached Chellapillai (75) and Sakunthala (65), residing at Vishnuthoppu on the outskirts of Tiruvarur a few days back and had told that he was looking for a house on rent.

As the couple were planning to rent a portion of their house, they held preliminary discussion with him. On Monday night, the man once again visited the house of Chellapillai, who had been running a gunny bag business.

Sources said the miscreant reportedly gave the couple a herbal drink. The couple fainted after consuming it. The man then decamped with the six sovereign jewellery that Sakunthala wore. 

The incident came to light when neighbours visited the couple after some time. Chellapillai, who was semi-conscious, told them about the incident, following which the couple were rushed to the Tiruvarur Medical College Hospital. 

While Sakunthala died at the hospital, Chellapillai, whose condition is said to be critical, is under treatment. 

The Tiruvarur Taluk police have registered a case. Forensic experts visited the scene of crime and collected finger prints and other evidences from the house. They also pressed a sniffer dog into service.