In a chilling and premeditated crime that has sent shockwaves through a rural community in Tamil Nadu, two brothers stand accused of using venomous snakes to murder their own father. The incident, driven by a bitter dispute over family property, unfolded in the quiet village of Moolaikkaraipatti, located within the Tirunelveli district.
A Deadly Plot Over Property
The police investigation reveals a sinister plot hatched by the two sons, identified as S. Sahaya Anish (25) and S. Arockia Sahayaraj (23). The brothers allegedly held a deep-seated grudge against their 62-year-old father, Samith. The root of the conflict was their father's refusal to transfer a piece of ancestral land to their names. This longstanding property dispute is believed to have festered, ultimately leading to a horrific plan.
According to authorities, the brothers decided to execute their plan on the night of May 31, 2024. They reportedly procured two highly venomous snakes—a spectacled cobra and a common krait—with the explicit intention of using them as murder weapons. In the dead of night, they entered their father's house and allegedly released the snakes onto him as he slept.
The Investigation and Arrests
The tragic discovery was made the following morning. Samith was found dead in his home. Initially, the death was assumed to be a tragic case of a snakebite, a not uncommon occurrence in rural areas. However, suspicions were quickly raised. The presence of two different deadly snake species at the scene seemed unusually coincidental and pointed towards foul play.
The Palayamkottai police swiftly launched a detailed investigation. Through meticulous questioning and gathering evidence, the officers pieced together the motive and the method. The brothers' alleged conspiracy began to unravel. The police gathered enough substantive proof to move forward with arrests.
On Thursday, June 6, 2024, the Tirunelveli district police formally arrested both Sahaya Anish and Arockia Sahayaraj. They have been charged with murder under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. The police are continuing their probe to uncover the full chain of events, including how the brothers precisely obtained the lethal reptiles.
Community Shock and Legal Proceedings
The brutal nature of the crime has left the local community in Moolaikkaraipatti village stunned and horrified. Using one of nature's most feared creatures to commit patricide has added a layer of macabre shock to the already grave crime of murder. The case highlights how familial disputes over land and inheritance can sometimes escalate to unthinkable levels of violence in rural India.
The two accused brothers are currently in judicial custody. The legal process is now set to take its course, with the police preparing a chargesheet to present before the court. The investigation remains active as authorities ensure all aspects of the plot are thoroughly documented for the upcoming trial.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the extreme outcomes that can result from unresolved family conflicts. It also underscores the critical importance of proper legal channels for dispute resolution, no matter how emotionally charged the issue may be. The Tirunelveli police's prompt action in identifying the unnatural cause of death and apprehending the suspects has been noted, bringing a small measure of closure to a deeply disturbing case.
