TIRUCHY: A 26-year-old newlywed woman, who went out for a nature's call, was found dead near the banks of Kollidam river in the wee hours of Sunday. 

The police found that she was allegedly raped and then murdered by unidentifed men. 

According to the police sources, the woman was a resident of Valavanthanpuram village near Kollidam and was recently got married to a 26-year-old man over a month back.

In the wee hours of Sunday, after the woman didn't return for a long time, her husband along with his family members came searching for her near the banks. 

To their shock they found her dead. On hearing about the incident, the Kollidam police rushed to the spot. 

Primary investigation revealed that the 26-year-old woman was raped and murdered and also stole the seven sovereign chain from the victim.

Later, a dog squad was brought to the crime scene. Further investigation in the case is underway.