Three arrested for murder of man who confronted daughter's alleged stalker in Tamil Nadu
The Watrap police in Virudhunagar district have arrested three men, including two brothers, in connection with the murder of a 38-year-old man from Kottaiyur on Thursday night (August 13, 2026). The accused have been identified as V. Periyasamy (21), V. Alaguraja (25), and G. Karuppasamy (18).
According to the police, the victim had allegedly confronted Periyasamy a few months ago over reports that he was stalking his daughter. The confrontation is said to have led to a grudge. On Thursday night, the three accused allegedly attacked the man with knives while he was standing near his house.
When the man's son rushed to rescue him, the accused allegedly assaulted him as well. The victim's mother and daughter also attempted to intervene and were reportedly attacked and subjected to abusive language, the police said.
The Watrap police have registered a case against the accused under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder, attempt to murder, wrongful confinement, assault, criminal intimidation, and using abusive language. They have also invoked the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, which addresses offences such as stalking and harassment.
All three accused have been arrested and are in judicial custody. Senior police officers visited the spot and supervised the investigation. The victim's body was sent to a government hospital for post-mortem examination.
Local residents expressed shock over the incident, saying that the victim had earlier complained to the police about the stalking. However, police sources declined to comment on whether a prior complaint had been filed or what action was taken at the time. The investigation is ongoing to ascertain the details of the earlier confrontation and any subsequent proceedings.
The case has once again brought attention to the challenges faced by families when dealing with stalking and harassment, and the need for timely intervention by law enforcement. Police have urged the public to report such incidents immediately and assured that strict action will be taken against offenders.
Further details about the incident and the background of the accused are awaited. The police are also examining whether the other two accused had any prior role in the alleged stalking or if they were involved only in the attack.
