Follow TNM’s WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links.
A 38-year-old Dalit woman employed at a cardboard box manufacturing unit in Enathur, near Tamil Nadu’s Kancheepuram district, was found murdered with severe head injuries on Saturday evening, July 5. The woman, identified as Selvi, also known as Hepsy, hailed from Andi Siruvallur village and had joined the factory just a week ago.
According to police, Selvi was beaten to death with an iron rod. Her jewellery, including a gold chain, earrings, and thaali (necklace), collectively weighing around six sovereigns, was missing from the scene.
Selvi had left for work on Saturday morning but failed to return home, prompting her husband, Suresh, and other family members to search for her. When they reached the factory premises that night, they allegedly found a staff member, identified as Senthil, in a heavily intoxicated state outside the unit.
After receiving no clear response from him, the family entered the godown, where they discovered Selvi’s body hidden amidst scrap materials. Police from the Ponnerikkarai station were called to the scene, and Selvi’s body was sent to the Kancheepuram Government Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Initial police investigations revealed no signs of sexual assault. However, police are probing whether the murder was motivated by the theft of her jewellery or if other factors were involved. Authorities are also investigating whether the crime was committed by someone from within the factory or if an outsider gained access to the premises.
The factory owner, Praveen Kumar, and another employee have been detained for questioning. A search is underway for Senthil, who reportedly fled the spot after the family discovered Selvi’s body.
Since Selvi belonged to a Scheduled Caste community, Dalit organisations have demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the incident. CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being analysed to determine if any outsiders were involved. The investigation is ongoing.