Cuddalore DMK MP T R V S Ramesh, Prime Accused In Brutal Murder Of A Labourer In His Cashew Unit, Finally Surrenders In Court

T.R.V.S. Ramesh, a senior DMK leader and member of parliament from Cuddalore Lok Sabha constituency, who was booked by the CB-CID police in connection with the murder of a worker in a cashew processing unit owned by him, surrendered before the Judicial Magistrate Court I in Panruti on Monday (Oct 11).

Ramesh, a cashew exporter, was elected to Lok Sabha from Cuddalore constituency. A not so well-known face in the constituency, he was surprise choice for the seat. He is known to enjoy proximity to Chief Minister M.K Stalin.

Ramesh, who is the prime accused in the case was absconding for last several days. The CB-CID had launched a search for him.

On Sunday, CB-CID police arrested five persons (M Kandavel, M Allah Pitchai, K Vinoth and Sundararajan) on charges of the murder of Govindarasu, 60 of Melmampattu on September 20. The arrested were all employees of cashew unit owned by Ramesh.

Govindarasu, who was working as a labourer for the past seven years at TRV Gayathiri Cashews owned by the MP, did not return home after work on September 19. His son G Senthilvel lodged a complaint with the Kadampuliyur police.

Senthilvel said that he received a call from the personal assistant of Ramesh at 2.25am on September 20 and was informed his father had consumed poison at the unit and was rushed to Panruti government general hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

Govindarasu's relatives later noticed injuries on the left eye, face, neck and several parts of his father's body and bloodstains on the clothes.

Senthilvel, a lorry driver in Chennai, lodged a compliant in Kadampuliyur police station against Ramesh, M Kandavel, M Allah Pitchai, K Vinoth and Sundararajan.

The Kadampuliyur police registered a case of suspicious death and began investigation.

PMK's legal unit moved the Madras high court seeking a CBI investigation and launched a protest demanding the arrest of Ramesh and his associates. Govindarasu was associated with PMK.

PMK founder-leader Dr S Ramadoss called for the immediate of the MP.

According to preliminary police investigation, Govindarasu was returning home after work when an employee frisked him and accused him of stealing 7 kg of cashew nuts. Govindarasu was allegedly assaulted on the premises and later taken to the Kadampuliyur police station for lodging a complaint. The police had requested injured Govindarasu to be taken to the hospital. However the victim was reportedly taken back to the cashew processing unit. Govindarasu was found dead under suspicious circumstances in the unit a few hours later.