Second Accused Arrested in Devadhanam Temple Double Murder Case, Weapons and Stolen Valuables Recovered
Tamil Nadu police arrest second accused in double temple murder and robbery.
Nine days after the brutal murder of two watchmen at the Nachadai Thavirtharuliya Swami Temple in Devadhanam, Virudhanagar district, Tamil Nadu police arrested the second accused, 40-year-old Muniyandi, near Rajapalayam railway station. During his arrest late Wednesday evening, authorities seized a machete, a cellphone, 12.8 grams of gold-plated ornaments, 79.9 grams of silver ornaments, and Rs 5,200 in cash. Muniyandi attempted to flee but slipped and sustained injuries, for which he received medical treatment before being remanded in judicial custody.
The murders took place on the night of November 10 when Muniyandi and Nagaraj, the first accused arrested days earlier, allegedly killed temple watchmen R. Pechi Muthu (54) and S. Sankara Pandian (69) during a robbery aimed at looting cash and silver ornaments from the ancient Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) managed temple. Following a complaint by an HR and CE official, Seithur police launched an investigation, identifying both men based on evidence collected at the crime scene.
Nagaraj was arrested on November 11 and taken by police to a location near the temple where he had hidden the murder weapons and loot. During the recovery operation, Nagaraj attacked Sub-Inspector Kottayappasami with a weapon, attempting to escape. Inspector Ramesh Kannan shot Nagaraj in the right leg to subdue him. Both Nagaraj and the injured officer were treated at Rajapalayam Government Hospital before Nagaraj was remanded in custody.
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The double murder and robbery inside the sacred temple have sparked outrage across Tamil Nadu, prompting intensified police investigations to uncover any additional conspirators involved. This case highlights serious concerns about the security of religious institutions and the safety of temple staff.
Authorities continue their inquiry into this shocking crime while assuring the public that justice will be pursued for the two murdered watchmen and the sanctity of the temple preserved.
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