VIRUDHUNAGAR, India — A tragic family dispute led to a gruesome incident early Saturday when a 45-year-old man allegedly killed his wife and two young daughters in their home in Thiruvirunthalpuram village, located near Aruppukottai taluk. The man, identified as M. Sundaravelu, turned himself in to authorities shortly after committing the acts with a sickle.
The altercation reportedly stemmed from ongoing tensions between Sundaravelu and his wife, Poongodi, 35. Witnesses noted that the couple often argued, primarily over financial stress and personal suspicions. Following a dispute late Friday, Sundaravelu attacked his wife while their daughters, Jeya Durga, 10, and Jeya Lakshmi, 7, were asleep.
Sundaravelu had returned to India from Singapore a year prior, where he had been working. Upon his return, he shifted his focus to farming but continued to struggle with the mounting pressures of family life. Relatives and neighbors had previously intervened during disputes, attempting to mediate for the couple’s sake, especially for their children.
After the shocking incident, law enforcement acted promptly, transporting the victims’ bodies to a government hospital in Virudhunagar for autopsies. Meanwhile, Sundaravelu has been taken into custody and is currently being questioned by police regarding the details that led to the tragedy.
Local authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain the precise motives behind the murders, as community shockwaves ripple through the village. The case highlights the escalating violence often linked to domestic disputes, raising concerns about the safety of families in similar situations.
The authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation unfolds, urging community members to come forward with any additional information they might have about the family’s history and the events leading up to the incident.