Chennai Sanitation Worker Found Dead, Jewellery Stolen; Suspect Absconding
A 55-year-old sanitation worker with the Chennai Corporation was found dead at her residence in Annalakshmi Nagar in Thiruverkadu after neighbours alerted police about a foul smell emanating from the house. The woman, identified as Hemavathi, was posted in the Valasaravakkam area. Police said the neighbours had not seen her leaving home for two days, which prompted them to contact the police.
When police entered the house, they found Hemavathi's body in a decomposed state. Preliminary investigation indicated that she may have been suffocated to death, with a pillow pressed over her face. Police suspect she had been dead for nearly two days before being discovered. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
A case has been registered, and police are investigating the incident under relevant provisions of law. The stolen jewellery has not been recovered, and its exact value is yet to be ascertained, an official said.
During inquiries into who had last visited Hemavathi, police identified Akash, a 30-year-old local resident. Akash plays the udukku, a traditional hourglass-shaped drum, at a nearby temple. According to police, Hemavathi had invited him to play the instrument at a shrine inside her house. Such invitations are not unusual, as many homes in Tamil Nadu have small shrines, and local musicians are often brought in for ceremonies.
Police suspect that Akash, realising Hemavathi was alone, entered her house two days ago. He allegedly smothered her with a pillow before fleeing with her jewellery. Akash is currently absconding, police said.
His friend Nithish was detained for questioning. Based on Nithish's statement and his alleged connection to the incident, police have intensified the search for Akash. Special teams are conducting searches at multiple locations, and further investigations are underway. According to police, Nithish's statement has provided some clarity, but the investigation is still ongoing.
Thiruverkadu, located on the western outskirts of Chennai, is a densely populated residential area with several temples and shrines. The udukku is an ancient percussion instrument commonly used in temple rituals and devotional music. Players are often invited to perform at private shrines during auspicious occasions, according to local cultural traditions.
Hemavathi, who lived alone, was known to her neighbours as a quiet and hardworking municipal employee. Her death has drawn attention to the safety of sanitation workers in the city, many of whom live alone. However, police have not commented on any broader implications and are focusing on the specific details of the case.
The Chennai Corporation, which employs thousands of sanitation workers, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. Police have not disclosed the exact lines of inquiry, but have urged the public to share any information about Akash's whereabouts. Police have said that the investigation is in its early stages. Additional teams have been mobilised, and all necessary resources are being used to trace the suspect. The public is requested to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Incidents of crime against municipal workers are rare, but when they occur, they raise questions about the safety of essential workers. Police have assured that the investigation will be thorough and impartial.
