A shocking example of domestic violence and murder recently emerged in Chennai, where a family argument over money allegedly led to a gruesome murder-suicide.
Nagalakshmi, 45, a businesswoman and owner of the successful saree brand Sri Sai Silks, was reported to have been hacked to death by her husband, Subramanian, in a house set up by the couple in Nanganallur.
The accused eventually committed suicide, the police officer alleged. It is reported that the tragedy also occurred in Nanganallur Thillaiganga Nagar area, where local people were left in shock the night before. Police said the couple had been in marital and financial wrangling for several years.
Nagalakshmi was a well-known businesswoman who had saree shops in Nanganallur and Anna Nagar. Her business activities seemed to be managing her family financially as well. Her 52-year-old husband, Subramanian, was reported to be unemployed and to have relied on her for financial assistance. The couple had two sons. The elder son is studying medicine in Russia, while the younger son, Shailesh, is studying dentistry in Chennai.
More than a few of the frequent arguments between the couple were said to have centred on money and household expenses, police said. Researchers also uncovered how Subramanian had allegedly harassed Nagalakshmi for money several times. He had left the family home nearly two years back, due to violent clashes, and was living at his sister’s house in Madurai.
Even as the couple lived apart, Nagalakshmi allegedly kept sending money to him every month online for his expenses. About 10 days ago, Subramanian came back to Chennai and commenced residing at the house again. However, preliminary investigations have revealed that tensions between the two people resurfaced shortly after he returned.
The horror would be the result of the couple’s younger son, Shailesh, receiving a chilling WhatsApp message from his father while in college on April 27. “Your mother and I will no longer be in this house,” Subramanian allegedly wrote in the message. “I have kept food for you, come and eat.” Shailesh was shocked by the strange note and ran home to find a horrifying find.
Police said Nagalakshmi was discovered lying in a pool of blood in one of the rooms. Subramanian was said to have attacked her with a sharp weapon, causing severe injuries to her head, neck and hands, authorities said. Subramanian was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan, allegedly having died by suicide after the killing.
The little son was said to be devastated to see the bodies of his parents inside the house. Neighbours immediately called the police, who arrived on the scene and investigated. The police have been issued a case, and the bodies have been dispatched for postmortem examination. Preliminary findings indicate that financial disputes and Nagalakshmi’s alleged refusal to pay may have provoked the violent attack.
