Loan dispute turns deadly: Ex-BSF havildar kills elderly woman

CHENNAI: A retired Border Security Force (BSF) havildar has been arrested for brutally murdering a 67-year-old woman after a bitter argument over unpaid debt in Meesarakandapuram village, near Tiruttani in Tiruvallur district.

The accused, identified as 55-year-old Kadigachalam, reportedly attacked Valliammal, the mother of his debtor, with a sickle following a heated altercation. According to RK Pet police, Valliammal’s elder son Murugan had borrowed ₹11 lakh from Kadigachalam months ago but had not returned the money. The accused had been making repeated visits to Murugan’s house, demanding repayment.

On Tuesday, tensions escalated when Kadigachalam encountered Valliammal again. Words turned violent, and in a sudden fit of rage, he allegedly struck her on the head with a sickle. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries.

Police sources confirmed the murder and stated that Kadigachalam was taken into custody and remanded to judicial custody on Wednesday.

This shocking incident has sent ripples through the local community, raising concerns about escalating violence over private lending disputes and the vulnerability of the elderly in domestic conflicts. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine whether any prior threats or complaints were made.