Vilathikulam student murder: history-sheeter held after DNA match

Police have arrested a history-sheeter in connection with the sexual assault and murder of a Plus Two student in the Vilathikulam area of Thoothukudi district, a case that had triggered widespread outrage.
The accused, identified as Muneeswaran, aged around 30 and a native of Sayalgudi, was apprehended based on mobile phone signal analysis and forensic evidence.
Investigators said tissue found lodged in the victim’s fingernails matched the accused’s DNA, confirming his involvement in the crime. Police sources added that Muneeswaran has several criminal cases pending against him.
Meanwhile, during the hearing of a petition filed in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, the State informed that blood samples from five suspects had been collected and sent for DNA analysis as part of the investigation.
The petition, filed by advocate Mareeswari from A. Kumarapuram, sought transfer of the case to the CBI, a court-monitored probe by a retired High Court judge, and compensation of Rs. 50 lakh to the victim’s family.
The victim’s relatives have been staging continuous protests demanding swift justice, stating that their agitation would continue until all those responsible are brought to book.