Tuticorin: Caste Youth Stabbed to Death in Neighbour Dispute Over Electricity Meter
A tragic incident unfolded in Tiruchendur, Tuticorin district, on Thursday afternoon. A scheduled caste youth lost his life after being stabbed by his neighbour during a heated argument. The dispute reportedly centered around the shared use of an electricity meter box between their homes.
Details of the Fatal Altercation
According to police reports, the victim, Elumalai, aged 27, resided on Veera Ragavapuram Street. He shared an EB meter box with his neighbour, Raja, who is 46 years old. The two households had an arrangement to split the total electricity bill equally each month.
On Thursday at around 3 pm, Elumalai allegedly turned off the meter box. Police sources indicate he was under the influence of alcohol at the time. When Raja noticed the power cut and confronted him, a verbal spat quickly escalated.
The situation turned violent when Raja grabbed a knife and stabbed Elumalai in the neck. The young man collapsed immediately, bleeding profusely from the wound.
Police Response and Legal Action
Bystanders rushed Elumalai to Tiruchendur Government Hospital. Doctors examined him upon arrival but could only declare him brought dead. The scene was chaotic as family members gathered at the hospital.
Based on a formal complaint filed by one of Elumalai's relatives, the Tiruchendur Temple police registered a case against Raja and his two sons. The charges are serious and multifaceted.
Authorities booked the accused under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including murder. They also invoked provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Police moved swiftly to make arrests. Raja and his elder son, Periadurai, were taken into custody on Friday. A magistrate remanded them to judicial custody at Palayamkottai central prison.
The younger son, who is just 16 years old, faced different treatment due to his minor status. Officers sent him to an observation home in Tirunelveli for further proceedings.
Official Statements and Community Impact
Senior police officials speaking to media representatives emphasized a specific point. They stated clearly that preliminary investigations suggest no caste angle to the murder.
This clarification comes amid concerns about potential communal tensions following the incident. The use of the SC/ST Act in the charges reflects legal protocol rather than established motive, according to authorities.
The neighbourhood remains tense as residents process the shocking violence. Many describe both families as having lived as neighbours for years without major prior conflicts.
Local community leaders have called for calm while the judicial process unfolds. They urge people not to jump to conclusions about the motivations behind this tragic event.
Police continue their investigation into the exact sequence of events. They are interviewing witnesses and examining forensic evidence to build a strong case for prosecution.
