DMK’s women’s wing functionary Uma Maheshwari who was Tirunelveli’s first Mayor was stabbed to death at her house on Tuesday by an unidentified gang. Her husband, 72-year-old Murugasankar and domestic help Mari (50-years-old) were also found dead at their house on Reddiarpatti-Melapalayam road.

According to reports, while the murder may have taken place between 12 noon and 1 pm, their bodies were found around 5.30 pm by Uma’s brother-in-law Lal Bagathur. All three deceased were found with stab wounds and lying in a pool of blood.

65-year-old Uma was appointed as Tirunelveli Municipality’s Mayor in 1991. She continued in the post later when it was upgraded to a corporation in 1996, holding the position until 2001. In 2011, she had contested unsuccessfully from Sankarankovil Assembly seat and lost. 

TNIE reports City Commissioner N Baskaran as saying that three people could have been involved in the murder. Three special teams have been formed to investigate the case. While the police have ruled out political motive for the murder, the missing jewels worn by Maheswari and missing valuables stored in the house have made them conclude that the murder could have been committed for gain.

According to TOI, the accused might have used sharp and blunt weapons to hurt and finally murder the victims.

Uma was living with her husband Murugasankar, retired highways engineer, and the duo have three children. An FIR has been filed under sections 302 (punishment for murder) and 398 (attempt to commit robbery or dacoity when armed with deadly weapon) of the IPC. TOI states that a probe is underway to check if the murder was the result of a property dispute or enmity.

The murder caused unrest in Tirunelveli. DMK functionaries including Alangulam MLA Poongothai Aladi Aruna and other party cadres visited the house of the deceased. DMK chief MK Stalin expressed his condolences.