Mon Jan 20 15:02:14 UTC 2025: ## Police Rule Out Caste Motive in Perambalur Murder

**TIRUCHI, January 20, 2025** – The murder of a driver in Kai Kalathur, Perambalur district, on January 17th was not a caste-related crime, according to Perambalur District Superintendent of Police Adarsh Pachera. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Mr. Pachera stated that investigations revealed the killing stemmed from a personal dispute between the victim, Manikandan, and the accused, Devendran.

The altercation began at a local tea shop and escalated into a physical fight. After Manikandan filed a complaint, a constable, Sridhar, reportedly violated protocol by taking Manikandan back to the scene on his motorcycle, where Devendran attacked and killed him. Constable Sridhar, despite attempting to intervene, was unable to prevent the murder. Devendran was immediately arrested.

Constable Sridhar has been suspended pending further investigation. Following the incident, local residents vandalized the Kai Kalathur police station. Cases have been filed against those involved in the vandalism, and investigations are ongoing. The police have emphasized that there is no evidence to support claims of a caste-related motive in the murder.

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