Mentally challenged man held for killing retired cop

The incident occurred on the night of November 28 when the accused, R Ravi of Anaivadi, Tiruvattar, entered the CSI church and assaulted watchman P Sundar Raj(60) of Manapazhanchivilai. Sundar Raj was a retired Special Sub Inspector ofPolice.

The victim fell unconscious after being attacked with a wooden log and a boulder. Kanniyakumari Superintendent of Police, N Shreenath, after inquiries, said that while the victim was engaged in duty, he apparently heard a voice from a bathroom on the premises. When he went to investigate, Ravi assaulted him on his head, hands, stomach and caused bloody injuries. The victim was admitted in a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram where he succumbed to his injuries on Friday, the SP said.

Further, sources said CCTV footage showed the accused assaulting the watchman on the church premises after the latter questioned him over his presence there.

After attacking the watchman, Ravi danced in a semi-naked condition, as per the CCTV footage.

Ravi was also alleged to have damaged an idol in the church.

Marthandam police, who filed a case under Sections 323 and 324 of the IPC following the incident based on a complaint lodged by the victim’s wife, later modified it to Section 302 (murder) of IPC, sources said.