What police first believed to be a tragic accidental snakebite in a village near Chennai has now emerged as a carefully planned murder. Investigators say the victim’s own sons orchestrated the killing to claim insurance money worth nearly ₹3 crore.
Tiruvallur district police have arrested six people, including the two sons of the deceased, in connection with the murder of 56-year-old E.P. Ganesan. Police found his body inside his house in Pothaturpettai village on October 22.
Investigators say the accused used a highly venomous Indian krait to kill Ganesan and stage the death as an accident.
Death Initially Reported as Accidental Snakebite
Ganesan worked as a laboratory assistant at a government girls’ higher secondary school in Podaturpet. On the morning of October 22, his son Mohanraj informed police that his father had died after a snakebite.
Police officers visited the house and examined the scene. Based on the complaint and visible circumstances, they registered the case as an accidental death. Authorities handed over the body to the family after routine procedures.
At that stage, nothing raised suspicion.
Insurance Claim Raises Red Flags
The case took a dramatic turn weeks later. An insurance company flagged irregularities in the claims filed by Ganesan’s family. The insurer alerted police after discovering that Ganesan held multiple life insurance and loan-linked policies.
Together, the policies amounted to nearly ₹3 crore.
Police officials said the coverage far exceeded what Ganesan’s income could justify.
“The insurance value did not match the family’s financial profile,” a senior police officer said. “That triggered deeper scrutiny.”
Following the alert, police reopened the case. Investigators began examining financial records, mobile phone data, and the actions of Ganesan’s sons before and after his death.
Sons Accused of Planning the Murder
Police allege that Mohanraj, 26, and his elder brother Hariharan, 27, planned the murder to claim the insurance payout. Hariharan works at a private firm.
Investigators found that both brothers faced financial pressure due to multiple loans. Police say the brothers decided to kill their father while making it appear accidental.
To carry out the plan, they allegedly sought help from four men. Police identified them as Balaji (28), Prashanth (35), Dinakaran (43), and Naveenkumar (27). All four are residents of Manavur village near Tiruttani.
Snake Used as Murder Weapon
The investigation revealed a chilling sequence of events.
Police say the accused first attempted to kill Ganesan using a cobra about a week before the incident. That attempt failed. The group then acquired an Indian krait, one of the most venomous snakes in the country.
On the night of October 21, the accused allegedly released the snake inside Ganesan’s house. In the early hours of October 22, they forced the snake to bite him on the neck while he slept.
After the bite, the accused killed the snake inside the house. Police believe they did this to destroy evidence. Officers also noted a deliberate delay in shifting Ganesan to hospital, which prevented timely medical intervention.
Call Records and Transactions Expose the Plot
Digital and financial evidence played a key role in cracking the case.
Investigators analysed call detail records and found frequent communication between the accused in the days leading up to the death. Location data placed several of them near the house during crucial hours.
Police also detected suspicious financial transactions linked to the accused after Ganesan’s death. Forensic findings further contradicted the theory of an accidental snakebite.
“All evidence pointed to a staged killing,” a senior officer said. “The financial and digital trail confirmed the conspiracy.”
All Six Accused Arrested
Based on the findings, police arrested all six accused. Authorities booked them under sections related to murder, criminal conspiracy, and cheating.
A court remanded the accused in judicial custody. Police continue to investigate whether others assisted in the crime or whether the group made earlier attempts that went undetected.
Officers are also coordinating with insurance companies to check if the accused filed or attempted fraudulent claims using false documentation.
Crime Shocks Local Community
The case has shocked residents of the region. Many struggled to believe that sons could plan such a crime against their own father.
“This is one of the most disturbing cases we have investigated,” an officer said. “Using a snake as a weapon to deceive authorities shows extreme planning driven by greed.”
Police urged insurance firms to strengthen verification systems. They also called for greater awareness of insurance-linked financial fraud.
Investigators said they remain committed to ensuring accountability. The probe continues as police work to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.
