Date:13/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/13/stories/2008121358980300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Murderous trespass on world of innocence Law & order

“Children targeted to settle scores trend,” writes S. Vijay Kumar

In the last few weeks alone, three children, all aged below six , were killed in gruesome manner on the city outskirts. A four-year-old boy, reported missing, was also suspected to have been murdered while his father surrendered in a Thanjavur court.

The murders have created fear among locals that a dangerous crime trend is taking shape in Chennai, in which children are being targeted to settle scores.

The first incident was reported on September 26 when a two-year-old boy, A. Monic of Sowcarpet, was allegedly abducted by one of his relatives for ransom. Even as the family was trying to negotiate, the accused killed the boy by smashing his head on the railway track at Thirumullaivoyal. Though he was arrested in Mumbai, the motive is still not clear.

On November 18, D. Bhavani (5) of Tiruvalluvar Nagar in Ambattur was reported missing. Her body was later found stuffed in a gunny bag. Police arrested the accused who confessed.

The girl was also killed in a similar fashion – the accused had hit her on the railway track near Thirumullaivoyal. First he dumped the body in shrubs and packed the body in a gunny back and threw it in a pond. The latest incident was reported in Muthapudupettai on Friday. K. Tamil (6) of Kumaran Street in Ambattur was reported missing around 8 p.m. on Thursday. Preliminary investigation revealed that E. Rajkumar (32) of Chinna Colony in the same area was seen taking the boy in a motorcycle.

Chennai Suburban Commissioner of Police S. R. Jangid formed a special team that arrested Rajkumar.

The accused said he murdered the boy since his mother, with whom he allegedly had an illicit relationship, threatened to lodge a police complaint against him.

“We are trying to create awareness among locals that they should not allow children to go with strangers or play in isolated areas. Patrolling and vehicle checks have been intensified in residential areas. These incidents cannot be generalised as personal motives are involved. Accused in all cases have been arrested,” Mr. Jangid said.