Chennai, Oct 10 (TIWN) Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S. Ramadoss on Saturday questioned the delay in arresting DMK MP from Cuddalore T.R.V.S. Ramesh by Tamil Nadu Police in a murder case.

The deceased, identified as K Govindarasu (55) of Melmampattu village, had been working as a labourer at the Panikankuppam cashew processing unit, owned by the DMK MP.  According to police, on the evening of September 19, Govindarasu, while returning home from work, was allegedly stopped and questioned by another employee regarding a theft at the cashew unit. The employee reportedly further accused Govindarasu of stealing cashew nuts from the processing unit. Subsequently, five men and MP Ramesh had allegedly assaulted Govindarasu causing visible injuries on his face and neck, police said. 

The police further added that the injured Govindarasu was brought to the Kadampuliyur police station by two men to report the theft. But the police asked the men to take Govindarasu to hospital for treatment and then bring him to the station. However, the men allegedly left the severely injured Govindarasu at the Panikankuppam cashew processing unit without getting him medical help.

Govindarasu was subsequently found dead on September 20 morning, police officials added.  Following this, the Kadampuliyur police registered a case under Section 174 (unnatural death) of the Criminal Procedure Code and initiated an inquiry. Meanwhile, Govindarasu’s son Senthilvel alleged that DMK MP Ramesh and his men murdered his father, but the accused claim that he died of suicide.