25-Year-Old Woman Techie Chained, Burnt Alive On B'day Eve By Transgender In Chennai

In a disturbing incident from Tamil Nadu, a trans man allegedly set fire to his childhood classmate in Chennai, purportedly as a birthday surprise, reported PTI citing the police on Monday. The suspect, identified as Vetrimaran, was arrested and placed in judicial custody.

According to authorities, the accused, formerly known as Pandi Maheswari, blinded, restrained, and burned R Nandhini alive at Thalambur near Kelambakkam, a southern suburb of Chennai, supposedly intending to surprise her on her birthday eve.

The victim, a 25-year-old software engineer from Madurai employed in the state capital, was unaware of Vetrimaran's intentions, as he had claimed to want to surprise Nandhini before her birthday, as per the report.

One of Nandhini's former schoolmates, Vetrimaran, previously known as Pandi Maheswari before undergoing a sex-change operation, was arrested for the killing of R Nandhini, who would have turned 26. Both had attended the same girls' school in Madurai and had a close friendship.

Despite Vetrimaran's attempts and persistent proposals, Nandhini declined any romantic involvement, leading to a fallout between them. Nonetheless, they maintained communication, as per a report by the Times of India.

Eight months ago, after securing a job in Chennai following her completion of a BSc degree in information technology, Nandhini resided with her uncle in the city.

On a Saturday, the transgender man called Nandhini and asked to spend time together. Allegedly, during their meeting, the accused presented her with new clothes and accompanied her to an orphanage near Tambaram, where a donation was made.

Insisting on dropping her home, Vetrimaran stopped at a secluded location in Ponmar on the way. He asked Nandhini to pose for photographs in the deserted area and then used chains from his bike to restrain her hands and feet, claiming it was all in jest.

Despite Nandhini's pleas, Vetrimaran refused to release her, eventually slashing her neck and arms with a blade. Subsequently, he doused her with petrol and set her ablaze before fleeing the scene, as per police reports.

After some time, locals discovered Nandhini struggling for life and contacted the police. Before losing consciousness, she managed to provide Vetrimaran's number to the people.

Upon contacting him, Vetrimaran arrived at the crime scene and claimed Nandhini was his friend. He even accompanied the police and locals to transport Nandhini to Chromepet's government hospital.