Youth held for girl’s murder

A day after a 16-year-old girl was found dead under mysterious circumstances at a house in Ozhalai village, a 23-year-old youth was arrested on charges of strangulating her to death. The police said the victim was pregnant.

According to the police attached to the Arcot Taluk station, Purushotaman alias Ranjith, 23, a resident of K. Vellur, surrendered before the Village Administrative Officer of Ozhalai. Police said Ranjith was in a relationship with the girl for a year. However, he reportedly severed the relationship with her a few months ago.

The girl, who was studying in Class XI, was staying alone after her mother’s death.

Her step brother had sent a relative to stay with her. As the examinations were over, he asked her to come and stay with them.

On Monday, the girl informed her step brother that she had to go to school. She did not return home, and her step brother found her dead at her house on Tuesday morning.

On inquiry with Ranjith, the police found that the girl had called him on April 14. She told him she was pregnant and wanted to meet him. The duo met at the house in Ozhalai village on Monday. She held him responsible for her pregnancy and a quarrel ensued.

Ranjith took the cable of a mobile phone charger and strangulated her, the police said.

As of now, police have booked Ranjith on charges of murder. Once doctors certify, sections under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act will be invoked against him, police said.