The Madurai district police arrested two more individuals on Monday in connection with the alleged honor killing of M. Sathish Kumar, 21, who died after being run over by a car reportedly driven by his girlfriend Raghavi’s family.
The latest arrests include Ayyanar and Arunpandi, friends of Raghavi’s brother Rahul, who is also among the accused. Alagar, Raghavi’s father, was arrested a day earlier on Sunday.
Sathish Kumar, a resident of Pottapatti near Melur, was in a relationship with Raghavi, a 24-year-old widow with two children. The couple had eloped to Trichy following opposition from Raghavi’s family. She returned home after assurances from her family that they would allow her to remarry.
However, she was forcibly confined upon returning. On Saturday, the Melur police had summoned both families for talks. After the meeting, Sathish and Raghavi were en route to Trichy on a two-wheeler when they were allegedly deliberately rammed by a car carrying her family members. Sathish died on the spot, while Raghavi sustained serious injuries.
Based on Raghavi’s complaint, Kottampatti police registered a case against Ayyanar, Arunpandi, Rahul, Saritha, Alagar, Arumugam, Kannayee, Manimegalai, and two others.
A. Kathir, executive director of the NGO Evidence, criticized the Melur police for negligence, alleging they failed to provide protection despite knowing the risks to the couple. He demanded an inquiry by a superintendent-ranked officer, citing the family’s political influence.
Police investigations are ongoing, and further arrests may follow.
