RAMANATHAPURAM: In a tragic incident, a Class 12 student on her way to school was stabbed to death in broad daylight by a 21-year-old fisherman in Rameswaram on Wednesday.
Police suspect the killing was the fallout of a strained relationship after the girl distanced herself from the accused.
Police identified the victim as M. Shalini (17) of Cherakottai, a Class XII student of Rameswaram Government Girls Higher Secondary School.
At around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, when Shalini was walking to school, K. Muniraj (21), a fisherman from the same neighbourhood and a distant relative, followed and confronted her.
During the confrontation, he reportedly pulled out a knife he had concealed and stabbed her in the neck before fleeing the spot.
Hearing her cries, nearby residents rushed to assist and attempted to take her to Rameswaram Government Hospital on a two-wheeler. However, doctors declared her dead on arrival. Her body was later taken to Government Medical College Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Speaking to TNIE, G. Chandeesh, Superintendent of Police, Ramanathapuram district, said, “The victim and the accused lived on the same street and are distant relatives (both belong to the same community). They were in a relationship for a few years, but things soured, and the girl distanced herself. Muniraj had been harassing her for months, insisting she accept his proposal again. She had informed her relatives, who had warned him. This may have triggered the violent attack.”
He added that the Rameswaram Jetty Police have registered a case and arrested Muniraj, who attempted to flee after the assault. A detailed investigation is underway to establish the full motive behind the alleged murder.