Agreement reached after 10-hour protest over murder of Plus-2 student

Tension prevailed near Vilathikulam in Thoothukudi district after villagers staged a protest demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the murder of a 17-year-old Plus-2 student.
The student, who was studying in a school near Kulathur, had gone missing two days earlier. Her parents searched for her in several places but could not trace her. Later, her body with severe injuries was found in a forest area, triggering shock and outrage in the region.
Following the incident, police suspended a woman inspector for alleged negligence in handling the case. Superintendent of Police Albert John ordered the formation of 10 special teams to trace and arrest those involved in the murder.
Demanding swift action, the student’s relatives and villagers staged a road blockade protest for the second consecutive day. The protest continued for nearly 10 hours after the family initially refused to disperse despite talks.
The situation eased only after Minister Geetha Jeevan and District Collector K. Elambahavath held discussions with the family and assured them of prompt action.
Several political parties, including the AIADMK, BJP, Naam Tamilar Katchi, Puthiya Tamilagam, CPI and CPM, expressed support for the protest.
Police said more than 10 persons are being questioned as part of the investigation and that the special teams are probing the case from multiple angles.