In a disturbing twist to a recent horrific crime, the Kovilpalayam police in Coimbatore have taken custody of three men, initially arrested for the gang-rape of a college student, in connection with the murder of a cattle herder. The police suspect the trio committed the murder before assaulting the young woman on the same night.
Police Secure Custody for Murder Investigation
The Kovilpalayam police had formally approached the Annur judicial magistrate, seeking custody of the three accused to interrogate them regarding the killing of M Devaraj, a 55-year-old herder from Kutumbapalayam near Muthugoundenpudur. The magistrate granted the police a one-day custody of the men on Wednesday.
During this period, the investigators took the accused to the crime scene as part of their probe. After completing the necessary investigative procedures, the police produced the trio before the judicial magistrate again on Thursday evening. Following this, all three were remanded to judicial custody and are now lodged in jail.
The Accused and the Alleged Crime Sequence
The individuals in custody are identified as T Karuppasamy alias Satheesh (30) from Singanampuri in Sivaganga district, his brother T Kaleeswaran alias Karthik (21), and their relative M Guna alias Thavasi (20) from Madurai district.
According to the police's current theory, the sequence of events is chilling. They suspect that on November 2, the trio first committed the murder of herder Devaraj. It is alleged that they also stole his motorcycle. Later that same night, they are accused of gang-raping a 20-year-old college girl near the Coimbatore airport. The victim's ordeal had previously led to their arrest.
The body of Devaraj was discovered with injuries at Serayampalayam on November 6, four days after the alleged crimes. The police investigation subsequently began to draw links between the two incidents.
Ongoing Investigation and Judicial Process
The case has now expanded significantly, with the Kovilpalayam police investigating the accused for two grave, back-to-back offenses. The one-day police custody was crucial for evidence collection and scene reconstruction related to the murder charge.
With the accused now in judicial custody, the legal proceedings for both the gang-rape and murder cases will advance. The police continue to build their case, and further forensic and material evidence is being examined to solidify the charges against the three men.
This development has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting concerns over violent crime and the interconnected nature of these serious offenses. The law enforcement agencies are under pressure to ensure a thorough investigation that leads to justice for both victims.
