CHENNAI: A 26-year-old youth, who has allegedly been involved in petty crimes in the suburbs, was on Friday arrested here by Kancheepuram police and remanded in judicial custody in connection with the murder of a 37-year-old maid servant, whose body was recovered from bushes near Wallajahbad in Kancheepuram district.
Police said the suspect Chandrasekar was in a relationship with the woman. He was narrowed down after tracking the call records of the deceased Renuka.
According to investigating officials, Chandrasekar had used her mobile phone to make a call, which revealed his identity. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to have committed the crime after the woman forced him to pay `5,000 towards monthly expenses and threatened to expose their relationship otherwise. Chandrasekar took Renuka to Putheri lake bed in Wallajahbad on November 29 where they had an argument over their relationship. His refusal to pay up led to a heated argument, and in a fit of rage, he had strangulated her to death and took away her valuables and mobile phone.
Chandrasekar dumped the body in the lakebed and tried to pawn the ear-studs in Wallajahbad for `1,300, but the pawnbroker returned the chain and bangles, after learning they were not made of gold.
After finding the body, the police there managed to identify the deceased as Renuka with the help of the family members who had lodged a missing-complaint at Teynampet police station. Renuka got acquainted with Chandrasekhar, through a common friend. The friendship grew over time. On the day of the incident, she took one Loganayaki with her to Kancheepuram. Since she had to meet Chandrasekhar, Renuka sent back Loganayaki alone. That was the last Renuka was seen.