A 35-year-old man, V Shanmuga Pandi, was arrested on Saturday for the brutal murder of R Gandhimathi, a 71-year-old woman from Padanthal in Virudhunagar district. Gandhimathi’s burnt body was discovered on August 5 in bushes near the Salaipudur toll plaza in Tuticorin district, prompting a murder investigation by the Kayathar police.

Gandhimathi had been reported missing earlier this month by her son. During the investigation, police discovered that she had last been seen with Shanmuga Pandi, an acquaintance from her locality, traveling in a car. Upon being interrogated, Shanmuga Pandi confessed to the murder, revealing that it was motivated by a money dispute.

According to police, Gandhimathi owed money to Shanmuga Pandi and had refused to repay it. In retaliation, Pandi lured her into a car under the pretense of resolving the issue. After some time, he attacked her with an iron rod, rendering her unconscious. He then took her to a secluded spot near the Salaipudur toll plaza, where he killed her by striking her with the iron rod. Pandi subsequently disposed of her body by setting it on fire.

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