55-Year-Old GCC Sanitation Worker Found Murdered in Thiruverkadu

A 55-year-old Greater Chennai Corporation sanitation worker was found murdered at her residence in the Annalakshmi area of Thiruverkadu, with police suspecting that she was smothered with a pillow during a robbery.

The victim, identified as Hemavathi, worked in the civic body's Valasaravakkam zone and lived alone. Her decomposed body was recovered after neighbours, who had not seen her for two days, noticed a foul smell emanating from the premises and alerted the police.

Upon entering the house, police discovered the body and noted that Hemavathi had been dead for approximately two days. Her jewellery was found missing from the residence.

Investigators have launched a search for a 30-year-old man named Akash, a resident of the same locality, who is currently absconding. According to police, Hemavathi had a shrine at her home and had invited Akash, who played the udukai at a nearby temple, to perform rituals there. Through these interactions, Akash became acquainted with her and learned that she lived by herself.

Police suspect that Akash entered the house two days ago, smothered Hemavathi with a pillow, and fled with her jewellery. The total value of the stolen jewellery is yet to be determined.

As part of the ongoing investigation, police have questioned Akash's friend, Nithish, and are working to trace the suspect.