Picture used for representational purpose only

CHENNAI: An 82-year-old Alwarpet resident killed his mentally challenged son by giving him an overdose of sleeping pills and stayed with the body for four days after his attempt to end his own life proved futile on Monday, police said.

The incident came to light on Friday morning after neighbours complained of foul smell from the flat in Triveni Apartments . Police barged in to find the elderly man lying beside the decomposed body. Police said Viswanathan, who retired as a stenographer from a central government office, was taking care of his 44-year-old son Venkatraman all alone. Viswanathan's wife had died 15 years ago. "He decided to kill his ailing son fearing that no one would take care of him after his death," a police officer said.

Police have booked Viswanathan, who is undergoing treatment in an intensive care unit. Viswanathan has been suffering from age-related health issues, and got no help. Venkatraman, who was also physically challenged, was dependent on his father for all his needs. "He was not able to see his son suffering during the days he fell sick," said an investigating officer. "They lived on his pension, and he thought there would be none to attend to his son once he was gone."

Police said Viswanathan on Monday gave his son food laced with a heavy dose of sleeping pills. He, too popped in a few of the tablets. While his son died, Viswanathan fell unconscious, but survived. He was lying on the same bed, where his son's body was found.

The neighbours too did not find anything unusual as the father and son mostly remained indoors. When the foul smell came on Friday, some neighbours went to check. When nobody answered the door, they called police. The Teynampet police sent a team that recovered the body and took Venkatesan to a hospital. Police said they have contacted Viswanathan's brother and are awaiting his arrival.

