Vettavalam police in Tiruvannamalai arrested ten individuals on Wednesday for the murder of D. Ayyappan, a history sheeter, near an irrigation tank in Neelanthangal village. The suspects were identified as K. Chandru (35), V. Muthu (29), B. Kuppusamy (31), S. Dhanasekar (28), C. Vivek (25), A. Pushpanathan (26), B. Rajesh (22), T. Natarajan (33), G. Manikandan (31), and N. Bhuvanesh (24), most of whom are from Puducherry.
Initial investigations revealed that Ayyappan, aged 35, was a notorious criminal with several cases pending against him in Puducherry, including charges of murder and robbery. He had been on conditional bail for several months and had relocated to Tiruvannamalai due to threats on his life. In addition to his criminal activities, Ayyappan was also involved in high-interest lending in both Puducherry and Tiruvannamalai.
The suspects, Muthu and Chandru, had lent Ayyappan Rs 3 lakh a few years ago, but he failed to repay the principal or interest. When they demanded repayment, Ayyappan allegedly threatened them. Frustrated with his refusal to return the money, the gang plotted to kill him. They abducted Ayyappan on Sunday, March 9, and later murdered him.
The suspects were arrested at their hideout in Puducherry, and a case was registered. They are currently lodged at the Central Prison in Vellore, and further investigations are ongoing.
