In a breakthrough investigation, Madurai district police have arrested four individuals, including a minor, in connection with a murder that was initially believed to be a road accident. The victim, 47-year-old army man Dharmalingam from Ashok Nagar in Thirumangalam, was killed on April 3, 2023, when he was reportedly hit by a van in Vilathikulam.
Initially, the police registered the incident as an accident. However, further probing revealed that Dharmalingam’s death was a result of a well-planned murder. Investigations unearthed a shocking motive behind the crime.
According to the police, Dharmalingam’s wife, Jothi (38), had been married to him against her will, as she was in love with another man, Paulpandi, from Ulaganeri. After her marriage, Jothi continued the relationship with Paulpandi, which created tensions between her and Dharmalingam. The couple’s problems eventually led to a deadly plot orchestrated by Jothi, who enlisted the help of her 18-year-old son and Paulpandi.
The plan was to kill Dharmalingam during his leave from the army. On the day of the incident, Dharmalingam rode a bike with his minor son, but the son, aware of the plan, got off the bike before the accident occurred. The van, driven by Pandi (40) with cleaner Arunkumar (38) onboard, struck Dharmalingam, making the death appear accidental.
The police, after uncovering the truth, arrested Jothi, her son, Pandi, and Arunkumar. Paulpandi remains on the run. Madurai Superintendent of Police BK Arvind commended the police team for their diligence in solving the case. Further investigations are ongoing.
