Selvam, his wife Chandramathi

CHENNAI: A 25-year-old woman who was out on bail for the murder of her husband was beaten to death by his relatives at Ayapakkam on Monday evening, when she came to see her children.

Police said Chandramathi, was married to Selvam, an autorickshaw driver. The couple lived with their two children in Ayapakkam. Selvam had noticed Chandramathi being friendly with Anandan also from the same locality. Incensed, he asked his wife to sever ties with the other man. But Chandramathi refused to do so.

On March 13, Selvam was found dead near Koovathur. Investigations revealed that Chandramathi colluded with Anandan to murder Selvam. They lured him to a secluded spot and stabbed him to death.

Two months ago, Chandramathi was released on bail. She stayed with her parents and never left their house. She attempted to visit her children who had been staying with Selvam's parents. But her in-laws refused to let her meet them and told her to refrain from trying to do so. Police said they also threatened her.

On Monday, Chandramathi went to meet her children when a fight broke out between Chandramathi and her in-laws. Police said she had demanded they return the clothes and jewellery she had kept in their home. They abused her for killing their son and did not let her see her children. In a fit of rage, her in-laws and other relatives attacked her with logs. She died on the spot. Neighbours spotted Chandramathi dead and alerted police who sent the body to the Government Chengalpet Hospital for autopsy.

"The woman kept asking her in-laws to send the children with her, which they opposed. She also approached police in this regard," said an investigating officer. Police have registered a murder case and detained 10 people for inquiry.

