In a tragic incident, a 38-day-old infant was killed by his grandfather, Veeramuthu, in Jayankondam, Ariyalur. Veeramuthu believed the baby, born in the Tamil month of Chithirai (mid-April to mid-May), would bring bad luck. The child’s body was discovered in a barrel near Veeramuthu’s house on Monday, June 17. Reports indicate the murder occurred three days earlier.
The News Minute (TNM) spoke with the Inspector of Jayankondam, who revealed that Veeramuthu feared the newborn would bring misfortune to his family, including his son-in-law. Additionally, Veeramuthu was troubled by the debts he incurred for his daughter’s marriage and the customary expenses following the child’s birth.
During the investigation, Veeramuthu confessed to the crime. Initially, he planned to abandon the child far away but ultimately placed the baby in a barrel to kill him. When the baby was reported missing, Veeramuthu even participated in the search efforts. Suspicious of family involvement, police questioned Veeramuthu, leading to his confession.
Following his confession, Veeramuthu was arrested and remanded. He faces charges under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
