Wed Nov 20 20:24:03 UTC 2024: ## Teacher Hacked to Death in Tamil Nadu; CM Announces Ex Gratia
**Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu:** A 26-year-old teacher, Ramani, was brutally murdered on Wednesday morning at a government school in Mallipattinam, Thanjavur district, sparking outrage and prompting a swift response from authorities. The accused, identified as 30-year-old Madhan, was arrested within 30 minutes of the attack.
Preliminary investigations suggest the attack stemmed from a rejected romantic advance. Madhan, reportedly harboring feelings for Ramani, had his family propose marriage, which she refused. Enraged, he attacked her in the school’s staff room with a knife.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakhs from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund to Ramani’s family. He condemned the “brutal” murder and assured the public that the perpetrator would face the maximum punishment under the law.
School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh visited the scene and ordered counseling for traumatized students who witnessed the incident. The school has been temporarily closed. Thanjavur DIG Ziaul Haque noted the open gate and lack of a watchman contributed to the accessibility of the staff room.
Opposition parties, including the AIADMK and BJP, criticized the DMK government’s handling of law and order, citing the incident as evidence of deteriorating security. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami expressed concern for the safety of government employees. The investigation into Ramani’s murder continues.
First Piper 