Thanjavur: The body of an agriculture worker who died some three months ago near Thirukkattupalli was exhumed today and an autopsy was conducted to determine the cause of his death based on his younger brother’s complaint.
The 47-year-old Edwin Sakkariyar, resident of Madhakovil street in Pazhamarneri village, died on January 19. After the customary rituals, his body was buried in the village grave yard. He is survived by his wife Rajathi (42) and three children.
Meanwhile, his younger brother Henri Bastin lodged a complaint at Thirukkattupalli police station claiming that mystery shrouded Edwin’s sudden death. He also alleged that Edwin was beaten to death by the latter’s wife and her relatives and wanted the police to conduct enquiry and take action against those responsible for his brother’s death.
As police did not register any case and conduct enquiry, aggrieved Henri Bastin filed a petition before the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court. Disposing his petition, the Madurai Bench directed the judicial magistrate court, Thiruvaiyaru, to inquire. Following which, the judicial magistrate, Thiruvaiyar, ordered the Thiruvaiyaru to register a case and conduct a proper enquiry. Based on the court’s direction, Thiruvaiyaru police registered a case on April 12 and conducted enquiry.
Meanwhile, Edwin’s body was exhumed from the grave yard in the presence of tahsildar Gajendran and other revenue and police officials. Led by Dr Tamilmani, a medical team from Thanjavur Medical College Hospital conducted autopsy.
Talking to media persons, Henri Bastin claimed that his brother Edwin Sakkariyar married his neighbour Rajathi after falling in love with her. However, quarrels broke out between the couple frequently. Henri Bastin alleged that Rajathi and her relatives beat his brother to death following a quarrel that broke out on that fateful day.