Family receives body of Erode man after accused surrenders in court

The family members of a man who allegedly died by suicide on August 13, 2024 at Kodumudi in Erode received his body after the accused surrendered before a court on August 19, 2024.

The deceased, K. Murugesan, 41, of Arunthathiyar community of Nagapalayam Colony in Kodumudi, was earlier working in a chemical company run by VP Durairaj of Viruppampalayam. After a dispute, Murugesan quit his job in the company six months ago. The victim's mother said Durairaj summoned Murugesan to his company on August 13 and questioned him. She alleged that Durairaj snatched his two-wheeler and also made anti-caste remarks about Murugesan. When he returned home, Murugesan ended his life with a suicide note pointing fingers at Durairaj, she added.

Kodumudi police sent the body to Government Hospital, Kodumudi and registered a case under Section 194 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. On August 14, family members, relatives and members of various Dalit groups gathered at the hospital and staged a protest. The protesters also demanded inclusion of sections of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and registration of case against Durairaj and his arrest. On August 16, police invoked Section 108 (abetment to suicide) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita r/w 3 (2) (v) of SC/ST (POA) Act, 1989. The accused was not arrested and the protest continued. They also submitted a petition to the Collector, who assured them of paying compensation of Rs 600,000 to the victim's family.

On Monday, Durairaj surrendered before a court in Erode. The body was taken to Government Erode Medical College and Hospital in Perundurai where an autopsy was conducted. The body was later handed over to the family.

(For help in overcoming suicidal thoughts, call the government health helpline 104 and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.)