Hemavathi, 55, a Chennai Corporation sanitation worker posted in Valasaravakkam, was found dead at her residence in Annalakshmi Nagar in Thiruverkadu after neighbors alerted police following a foul smell emanating from the house. The neighbours had not seen her leaving home for two days, prompting them to call the police.
Police who entered the house found Hemavathi’s decomposed body inside. Preliminary investigation indicated that she may have been suffocated to death, with a pillow pressed over her face. Police suspect she had been dead for nearly two days.
When police inquired about who had last visited Hemavathi it led them to Akash, 30, a local resident. As they began searching for him, police detained his friend Nithish for questioning. During interrogation, Nithish reportedly told police that Akash, who played the udukku, a traditional drum, at a nearby temple, had been invited by Hemavathi to play the instrument at a shrine inside her house.
Police suspect that Akash realised she was alone and entered the house two days ago. He allegedly smothered Hemavathi with a pillow before fleeing with her jewelry. Based on Nithish’s statement and his alleged connection to the incident, police have intensified their search for Akash, who remains absconding.
Published – August 22, 2026 01:08 am IST
