The body of John, a 42-year-old physically challenged Scheduled Caste man, who was brutally killed by an armed gang near Nanguneri, has been given to his family. After days of protests and negotiations, the remains were released at the Cadaver Research Centre on the Palayamkottai–Tiruchendur Highway. John’s wife Kannagi, who is non-verbal, and their two daughters were initially hesitant to accept the body, demanding justice for the crime.
Following the handover, the body was escorted to Perumpathu Indra Colony under tight police security amidst local tension. Hundreds of residents gathered as the funeral procession arrived at the colony, where John was laid to rest. The delay in receiving the body was due to the community’s anger over the vicious killing and the injuries sustained by others in the attack.
The incident took place on March 2 when John, along with Trinath Katta, a migrant worker from Odisha, and others, were attacked by an armed gang near a roadside tea stall. John and Trinath Katta lost their lives instantly in the assault. Several others, including residents of Perumpathu and Meerankulam, were seriously injured during the attack.
Authorities arrested seven individuals allegedly involved in the attack, following widespread public outrage. The police formed special teams to apprehend the suspects, who were identified as residents from various locations. The attack was reportedly triggered by posters honoring ‘Manalmedu’ Shankar in Perumpathu Indra Colony, a history-sheeter killed in a police encounter.
The government has announced financial aid and a free house for John’s family as part of relief efforts. However, villagers noted that similar support has not been extended to the family of Trinath Katta, the migrant worker killed in the same attack.
