Coimbatore Labourer Arrested for Brutal Murder of Street Dweller
In a shocking incident in Coimbatore, a 26-year-old man has been apprehended by the police in connection with the murder of a street dweller near Peelamedu on March 21. The arrested individual, identified as S Mohammed Azath, a labourer from Podanur, is accused of committing the heinous crime following a petty dispute.
Details of the Crime and Arrest
According to police reports, Azath and the victim, K Ranganathan, aged 56 from Thanneerpandal near Peelamedu, were both street dwellers who often slept on roadsides and relied on free meals provided by private groups. The tragic event unfolded after an argument on March 18, when Azath took water from Ranganathan and drank it, leading to a verbal altercation. Ranganathan allegedly used abusive language against Azath, which sowed the seeds of enmity between them.
On the night of Saturday, March 21, Ranganathan was sleeping on a roadside in Greenview Telecom Colony near Thanneerpandal. Azath, who was reportedly intoxicated at the time, approached the location where Ranganathan was resting. In a fit of rage, he bludgeoned Ranganathan to death using a stone. After committing the murder, Azath stole the victim's mobile phone and cash before fleeing the scene.
Police Investigation and Recovery
Following the discovery of the body, the police promptly registered a murder case and initiated a thorough investigation. A special team was formed to track down the perpetrator, leading to the arrest of Azath near the Codissia grounds on Tuesday night. During the arrest, authorities recovered Ranganathan's mobile phone from Azath's possession. He has since been remanded to judicial custody, pending further legal proceedings.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by street dwellers and the severe consequences of minor conflicts escalating into violence. The police have emphasized their commitment to ensuring justice in this case, with ongoing investigations to uncover any additional details.
