Astrologer murdered in full public view over alleged flesh trade involvement

A CCTV camera footage has emerged of the assailant repeatedly attacking the astrologer with a sickle, even as a few members of the public watched the scene unfold. Police have launched a hunt to nab the accused, who has been identified as Ragu.

Narrating the sequence, sources said the astrologer J Ramesh alias Kumar, a resident of Bharathi Pudur in Tirupur, was sitting at his usual place at the entrance of Velli Vizha Park.

Ragu, who arrived at the spot by a two-wheeler around noon, got into a conversation with Ramesh. A heated argument ensued following which Ramesh started walking towards a nearby hotel. Ragu, who followed the astrologer, took out a sickle kept in a bag and hacked him in full public view.

Even as Ramesh collapsed to the ground, a furious Ragu continued to attack him. “The astrologer bore deep cuts all over his body, especially in neck, face and shoulder. The assailant threw some pamphlets on the body and fled the spot,” police said.

According to sources, the pamphlet stated that Ramesh had lured a woman, who was living with him for nine years, by using black magic. It also claimed the astrologer had trapped several young women in flesh trade. The assailant, who alleged that there was a big network working in the illegal trade, sought a thorough police investigation into the issue.

The Tirupur North police have registered a case. Further investigations are on.