A woman from Tirunelveli was killed by her estranged husband inside a women’s hostel in Coimbatore on Sunday. 

The victim, Sripriya, worked at a private company in the city and had been living away from her husband, Balamurugan, after their marriage broke down.

Police said Balamurugan reached her hostel on Sunday afternoon, pretending he only wanted to meet her. But he had a sickle hidden under his clothes.

Soon after they started talking, the two began to argue. Officers said he suddenly took out the sickle and attacked her inside the hostel.

Investigators said that after the killing, Balamurugan took a selfie with her body and posted it as his WhatsApp status, writing that she had “betrayed” him.

Women staying in the hostel ran out in fear as the attack unfolded.

Shockingly, Balamurugan did not flee. He waited at the spot until the police arrived.

He was arrested immediately, and officers recovered the sickle used in the crime.
Initial investigation suggests he suspected she was close to another man.

The murder has added fuel to the ongoing political fight over women’s safety in the state.
 Opposition leaders have blamed the ruling DMK government for what they say is a failing law-and-order situation and a rise in violent crimes.

The DMK government and the Tamil Nadu Police have rejected these claims, saying such crimes are isolated incidents caused by personal disputes. They insist that police are taking quick action in every case to ensure speedy justice and maximum punishment.