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Venkatesh allegedly stuffed a cloth in Mahalakshmi’s mouth. Then he picked up the knife and slit her throat. Then, he allegedly cut off her hands and legs in a rage-filled attack.
Returning home was supposed to be a new beginning. Instead, the old pattern returned almost immediately. As soon as they reached home, the couple started arguing. (Image: Rep)
A gruesome murder near Harur in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu has shaken the entire village. A domestic dispute that had been going on for months turned into unimaginable violence when a husband brutally murdered his wife inside their home.
The brutality of the act, the presence of the couple’s elderly grandmother and the involvement of two young children have heightened shock and fear in the area. Police say that the accused ran away with the children immediately after committing the crime, prompting an immediate search operation.
stressful marriage
The victim Mahalakshmi was a resident of Harur in Dharmapuri district. She married Venkatesh of Kothiazhaganur near Bargur nine years ago. The couple had two children and initially appeared to lead a normal family life. But according to relatives, gradually fights started happening and their marriage became unstable.
Four months ago, tensions reached such a level that Mahalakshmi left her matrimonial home and went back to her mother’s house. Neighbors say she was unhappy for some time and wanted peace away from the constant fights.
However, Venkatesh attempted to reconcile. He went to his in-laws’ house, apologized and assured everyone that he would not quarrel again. He took Mahalakshmi and the children to the Tiruchendur temple, hoping that the spiritual journey would help mend their relationship. The family believed this was a new beginning.
the fight that turned deadly
Returning home was supposed to be a new beginning. Instead, the old pattern returned almost immediately. As soon as they reached home, the couple started arguing. Mahalakshmi’s grandmother, who was present there, tried to pacify them, but the fight escalated further.
What happened next surprised even experienced police officers. Losing control over his anger, Venkatesh allegedly stuffed a cloth in Mahalakshmi’s mouth to stop her from screaming. Then he picked up the knife and slit her throat. Not stopping there, he allegedly chopped off her hands and legs in a rage-filled attack.
The grandmother, horrified and unable to intervene further, could only watch the incident in horror. By the time the neighbors heard her screams and ran, Mahalakshmi was lying lifeless, soaked in blood.
Panic in the village
The gruesome nature of the murder immediately spread panic in the neighborhood. As the news spread rapidly, people gathered outside the house in shock. Many described Mahalakshmi as a calm and gentle woman who had endured years of stress in her marriage.
Children in the area were especially scared, as news of the violence reached every household. The fact that the husband ran away with their two young children deepened the concern. The family was concerned about the safety of the minors and worried about the mental state Venkatesh would be in.
Police launched a search operation
The murder took place under Harur police limits. On receiving the information the officers arrived immediately. They secured the spot, examined the house and sent the body to the government hospital for post-mortem.
The police immediately formed special teams to nab Venkatesh who had fled with the children. Search operations were conducted in nearby villages, forest paths and bus stands. Relatives and friends were interrogated to find out where he might be hiding.
Arrest and next steps
After hours of search the police finally located Venkatesh and arrested him. Both children were found near her and were safely taken into custody. Officials say he will be given counseling and care, as he has suffered severe trauma.
The exact motive for the murder is still under investigation. While frequent fights appear to be the primary cause, police believe there may be deeper issues including long-term domestic tension, financial strain or emotional instability.
A community in shock
The village remains troubled by the brutality of the crime. Many residents say they have never heard of such extreme violence in a home. Local leaders and counselors have urged families to seek help when disputes escalate, rather than allowing fights to turn dangerous.
The news desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who chronicle and analyze the most important events happening in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, Desk D…read more
The news desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who chronicle and analyze the most important events happening in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, Desk D… read more
Tamil Nadu, India, India
November 18, 2025, 16:36 IST
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