TIRUNELVELI: In a chilling revelation, Palavoor police have arrested four individuals — including a self-styled sorcerer — in connection with the murder of 28-year-old S Kayalvizhi, who had been reported missing eight months ago.

The skeletal remains and clothing of Kayalvizhi were recovered on Monday from a canal near Cheranmahadevi, with the help of fire and rescue personnel following an intensive search.

The arrested suspects include:

  • Sivasami (sorcerer) and Sivaneswari from Kottaram, Kanniyakumari

  • Mayandi Raja from Thoothukudi

  • Kannan from Veeravanallur

Police said Kayalvizhi had sought Sivasami’s help to reconcile with her estranged husband. Claiming he could perform a ‘parikaram’ (ritual remedy), he reportedly took money from her. When nothing came of it, Kayalvizhi began pressing him for answers.

On October 5, 2024, Sivasami lured her to Suchindram under the pretext of conducting a final ritual. There, with the help of his three accomplices, he strangled her inside a car, robbed her seven-sovereign gold chain, and disposed of the body in the Manimuthankulam canal near Ganganaankulam in Tirunelveli district.

The case has sparked outrage and concern over exploitative practices under the guise of spiritual rituals, and police have promised a thorough investigation.