A property dispute turned tragic near Kodaikanal Road in Dindigul district after a 45-year-old man allegedly attacked his elderly parents with a sickle, leading to his father’s death.
According to police, the accused, identified as Suruli, frequently quarrelled with his father Pandi (70) and mother Meenakshi (65), demanding that ancestral land and property be transferred to his name.
Argument turns violent
Officials said tensions escalated on Sunday night when a heated argument broke out at their residence. In a fit of rage, Suruli allegedly attacked both parents with a sickle, inflicting multiple hack injuries.
Hearing their cries for help, neighbours rushed to the house and found the elderly couple lying in a pool of blood. The accused reportedly fled the scene immediately after the assault.
Father succumbs, mother under treatment
The injured couple were rushed to the Government Hospital in Dindigul for emergency treatment. Despite medical efforts, Pandi succumbed to his injuries on Monday. Meenakshi, who sustained a severe injury to her hand, is currently undergoing treatment and is said to be stable.
Accused arrested
Based on a complaint, the Tamil Nadu Police registered a case and launched a manhunt. Suruli was later apprehended in a nearby area and is being interrogated further.
Police officials stated that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the sequence of events and gather additional evidence.
The incident has shocked residents of the locality, once again highlighting how prolonged family disputes over property can spiral into irreversible tragedy.