CHENNAI: One and a half years after a couple were murdered by administering poison in Mylapore, the police cracked the case by arresting the younger sister of one of the victims along with her boy friend on Saturday.
Police said the couple Meenakshi (40) and Dharma Lingam (43) were running a flower shop.
On January 10, 2017, Dharma Lingam fell ill and, two days later, Meenakshi, also fell sick and both were admitted to a private hospital. On January 15, 2017, Dharma Lingam died, followed by his wife two days later. The postmortem report proved that the couple died after consuming poison, said a police officer.
But, Dharma Lingam’s brother Kumar lodged a complaint with the Mylapore police, raising suspicion over the deaths. The police later found out that Mythili (37), Meenakshi’s younger sister, who was married to Praveen Kumar (42), had an illicit relationship with Bala Murugan (27).
“Praveen told us that Meenakshi and Dharma Lingam often confronted Mythili. Repeatedly being taunted, Mythili and Bala Murugan planned to eliminate the couple and elope,” said the officer.
Since instant death would raise suspicion, Bala Murugan befriended Dharma Lingam and laced his drink with poison,while Mythili mixed poison in her sister’s food, police said.
During the treatment, Mythili received a cheque for `17 lakh signed by her sister to pay the bill. “The bills were never paid and the duo fled the city,” added the police officer. Acting on a tip-off, police nabbed Mythili, who had come to the city, along with Bala Murugan. The duo now married was remanded in judicial custody.