24-Year-Old Software Engineer Brutally Murdered by Classmate After Rejecting Marriage Proposal

R.Nandhini

Police authorities have revealed that the murder of a 24-year-old woman software engineer was meticulously planned and executed by her classmate, who had been a close friend for a long time. The suspect, a transman, allegedly murdered the victim after she rejected his proposal for marriage. The horrific crime involved slitting her veins, tying her up, and setting her on fire.

The victim, identified as R.Nandhini, hailed from Madurai, and the arrested suspect is Vetrimaran, also known as Pandi Maheswari.

On Saturday, locals and passersby in the vicinity noticed flames emerging from an under-construction building in Vedhagiri Nagar, Ponmar, located on the outskirts. They also heard the distressed cries of a woman emanating from that direction. One individual promptly rushed towards the scene and discovered a woman who was chained and on fire. Acting quickly, they managed to extinguish the flames using sand and water. Authorities were alerted about the incident by contacting the police control room. However, the woman had already suffered severe burns and significant blood loss due to the slashing of her veins in her hands and legs. She was fighting for her life.

Thalambur inspector, C. Charles, along with other police personnel, arrived at the spot. Before being rushed to Government Chromepet Hospital, the victim managed to provide the police with the name ‘Vetri’ and a mobile number. Unfortunately, she was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Inspector Charles initiated an investigation, reaching out to the mobile number provided by the victim. Initially, the person who answered the call claimed to be employed at a software company in Perungudi and professed ignorance about the woman. However, Vetrimaran eventually volunteered to go to the hospital, where he tearfully declared that the deceased was his close friend, Nandhini.

Based on an analysis of the call records retrieved from the crime scene, which included Nandhini’s mobile phone, suspicions began to point towards Vetrimaran. Further examination of Vetrimaran’s phone by Cyber Crime Police, confirmed his presence at the murder site. During subsequent interrogation, he confessed to the crime and provided details of his modus operandi.

According to police sources, Nandhini and Vetrimaran, also known as Pandi Maheshwari, were classmates in Madurai until Class X. Following a gender transformation surgery, Pandi Maheshwari transitioned into Vetrimaran. Nandhini later moved to the city and started working at a software company in Perungudi. She managed to secure a job for Vetrimaran at the same company. Over time, Vetrimaran developed an unhealthy obsession with Nandhini and repeatedly insisted on marriage, but she was not interested.

Recently, Nandhini began dating another individual, disregarding Vetrimaran’s feelings, which led to strain in their relationship. For the past three months, they had been avoiding communication. However, Vetrimaran managed to reconcile with Nandhini and invited her to celebrate her birthday on Saturday, promising her a surprise gift. They visited Eliot’s Beach, Thiruvanmiyur Beach, and a temple before Vetrimaran took her to an isolated location in Ponmar.

Once there, an argument ensued, and Vetrimaran struck Nandhini with a wooden plank, subsequently restraining her with an iron chain. He then proceeded to slit her arms and legs and set her ablaze using petrol. Although he fled the scene, Vetrimaran watched from a distance as Nandhini fought for her life.

Tambaram City Police Commissioner, A. Amalraj, stated, “We have apprehended Vetrimaran and placed him in judicial custody. We have collected evidence and statements from witnesses at the crime scene. Our investigation has revealed that this was a premeditated murder.”