Chennai: Techie murder accused remanded to police custody

A court here today remanded Ram Kumar, accused in the June 24 murder of young woman IT professional Swathi, to three days police custody.

While the prosecution sought five days police custody, the defence strongly objected to it, citing Ram Kumar's health condition.

He had slashed his neck when police surrounded him in their effort to arrest him. He was later treated at government hospitals in Tirunelveli and Chennai amid police protection.

Countering defence claims, the prosecution produced medical reports and a government medical doctor deposed in court stating that the accused is in a fit physical condition.

After hearing both sides, Metropolitan Magistrate, Egmore, Gopinath (he is 13th court magistrate now holding additional charge of 14th court) remanded Ram Kumar to three days police custody.

Speaking to reporters later, Assistant Public Prosecutor R Kolanchinathan said the custody was sought to question Ramkumar about issues like his antecedents and motive.

24-year old techie Swathi was murdered allegedly by Ram Kumar at Nungambakkam railway station on June 24. He was arrested on July 1 from his residence in T Meenakshipuram in Tirunelveli district.