Chennai: Despite the only accused in the case, P. Ramkumar, ending his life, the Chennai Police will go ahead and file charge sheet in the sensational murder case of techie Swathi that sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu. However, the case will not last long since the main accused is no more.
Sources in Chennai Police said they are in the process of completing the charge sheet in the case and they will file the documents before the Metropolitan Magistrate as planned.
“When the Magistrate asks us (Police) to produce the accused in person, we will inform the court that the accused is no more and will produce the death certificate as an evidence to prove his death,” a senior police official said.
Once chargesheeting is over, it will not be business as usual as all charges will be abated and the case will be close. “As per the criminal procedure, once accused dies during the investigation/trial, the charges will be abated. As the accused no longer lives, the case also will be closed,” a lawyer said. The sensational murder case was handed over to the Chennai Police four days after the murder took place on June 24 following no headway made by Railway Police in its probe.
As the police remained clueless, the Madras High court had intervened in the matter and pulled up the police for not expediting the investigation and arresting the accused.
After the intervention of the Madras HC, the investigation gained momentum and during door-to-door investigation in Nungambakkam area, the police stumbled upon a clue received from the staff in SS Mansion, which led to the arrest of Ramkumar in his native village in Meenatchipuram, on July 1.
Amidst tight security, he was brought to Chennai and admitted in Royapettah GH, from where he was remanded to Puzhal prison. In an effort to complete the investigation, the police collected vital evidences from witnesses and other incriminating evidences to nail him. The cops also collected statements from Ramkumar, who allegedly confessed to the crime.
Post-mortem today
Ramkumar was allegedly brought to the hospital with several wounds. According to a report released by the hospital, his post-mortem will be conducted on Monday morning between 9 and 11. The post-mortem will be videographed, stated a report.
