Newlywed woman, brother murdered near Bodi

Two persons, including a newly married woman, were hacked to death near Bodi in Theni district on Thursday. Police have arrested the woman’s husband and father-in-law in connection with the double murder.
The deceased have been identified as Nikhila (24) and her brother Vivek. Nikhila was married three months ago to Pradeep (27), an AMMK branch secretary from Muthaiyanchettypatti near Bodi. Pradeep is the son of Sivakumar.
Nikhila was the daughter of Nagaraj, former DMK city secretary of Sokkanathapuram in Chinnamanur. She had completed her law degree.
According to police, marital discord arose soon after the wedding, as Pradeep was allegedly addicted to alcohol and frequently quarrelled with his wife. About a month ago, following a dispute, Nikhila left her husband’s house and went to her mother’s residence.
After intervention by elders, she later returned.
Four days ago, another quarrel reportedly took place between the couple, during which Pradeep allegedly assaulted Nikhila. Following this incident, her relatives lodged a complaint at the Bodi Taluk Police Station.
On Thursday afternoon, Nikhila, her brother Vivek—who was working as a conductor with the State Transport Corporation—and a few relatives went to Pradeep’s house to demand the return of household articles and jewellery given at the time of marriage.
An argument broke out between the two sides, which soon turned violent. In a fit of rage, Pradeep and his father Sivakumar allegedly attacked Nikhila and Vivek with axes, killing them on the spot.
Bodi Taluk Police Inspector Subbulakshmi registered a case and arrested both Pradeep and Sivakumar. Police sources said that Pradeep has several criminal cases pending against him. Further investigation is under way.