Woman sanitation worker murdered and jewelry stolen at Thiruverkadu

Hemavathi, a 55-year-old sanitation worker employed by the Chennai Corporation in Valasaravakkam, was discovered deceased at her residence in Annalakshmi Nagar, Thiruverkadu, following the detection of an unpleasant odor emanating from the property. Neighbors had not observed her leaving the house over the course of two days, prompting them to notify the police.

Upon entering the residence, authorities located Hemavathi's decomposed body. Initial examination suggested that she may have succumbed to suffocation, with a pillow pressed against her face. The police conjectured that she had been dead for approximately two days.

Inquiries into the identity of the last individual to visit Hemavathi led them to Akash, a 30-year-old local resident. As investigators delved deeper, they detained Nithish, a friend of Akash. During interrogations, Nithish claimed that Akash, a drummer at a nearby temple, had been summoned by Hemavathi to play the udukku at a shrine within her dwelling.

Police suspect that Akash entered the house two days ago, realizing her solitude, and subsequently smothered Hemavathi with a pillow before absconding with her jewelry. Based on Nithish's testimony and his suspected involvement in the incident, law enforcement have intensified their search for Akash, who continues to evade capture.