Swathi murder accused Ramkumar commits suicide, says police

CHENNAI: P Ramkumar, the accused in the murder of Infosys techie Swathi, allegedly committed suicide in the Puzhal prison on Sunday, police sources said. He was rushed to the Royapettah government hospital, where he was declared dead.

Prison sources said Ramkumar climbed up and managed to touch the live wire in the high security prison cell at around 4.30 pm. None were present in the cell when the alleged suicide took place. Security guards later rushed and tried to rescue him after disconnecting the power supply. But it is said he succumbed on the spot and doctors at the Royapettah Government hospital declared him dead on arrival.

An official from the hospital said, "Ramkumar was brought here at around 5.40 pm and we found that he had already succumbed." He also added that the autopsy would be conducted only tomorrow.

Media personnel wait outside Royapettah Government Hospital's mortuary when Ramkumar's body was brought there. (EPS)

As per law, the prison officials will now have to file a complaint in the local police station on the death and the case will be referred to a judicial magistrate. The autopsy will be conducted in the presence of the judicial magistrate and is expected to take place on Monday. Parents and close relatives of the deceased will be allowed to see the body only the presence of the magistrate, police sources said.



Police protection as seen out Royapettah Government Hospital's mortuary where Ramkumar's body is currently kept. (EPS)

Ramkumar, the youth hailing from a village in the southern district of Tirunelveli, was arrested after the major manhunt in recent years in the state.

According to police, Ramkumar slayed Swathi to death on morning of June 24 at Nungambakkam railway station as she was waiting to board train for her office. Even when he was arrested on July 1 night from the village he allegedly attempted suicide by slitting throat.

'There was no sign of suicidal tendencies'

As the news of Ramkumar's death spread, Advocate Ramraj, the defense counsel of Ramkumar, expressed his shock and was quoted saying to a news channel that, "I spoke to him for an hour even yesterday. He did not show signs of suicidal tendencies and was in a healthy state of mind. The prison officials are responsible for his death."

Incidentally, Ramkumar was to be produced before a judicial magistrate court on Monday as his judicial custody comes to an end. As per routine, the custody would be extended for 15 more days, unless he is given bail.

An assistant of advocate Ramraj confirmed that on Saturday Ramraj visited Ramkumar in the prison and spoke to him for an hour from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm.

Thol Thirumavalavan, President of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), said that he had met the Ramkumar's family who had claimed that Ramkumar was not involved in the murder. "There is suspicion in his death. Earlier, when his parents and lawyer met him, he said that he was not involved in this murder. The Tamil Nadu Government has to take the responsibility and should clarify the suspicion behind Ramkumar's death."