Jayalalithaa Bungalow Security Guard Killed, Documents Stolen

Tamil Nadu: A 40-Year-old security guard posted at a bungalow, frequently visited by late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, at nearby Kodanad estate was found dead on Monday, while some documents were suspected to have been stolen from its premises.

The estate figures in the disproportionate assets case involving jailed AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala and Jayalalithaa, among others. The incident came to light on Monday morning when workers at the tea estate noticed security guards Om Bahadur and Kishore Bahadur lying in a pool of blood with their hands and legs bound and informed the police. While 40-year-old Om was found dead, a seriously wounded Kishore was rushed to Kothagiri government hospital.

Quoting villagers, the police said a 10-member gang in two vehicles was seen entering the area in the early hours. Police suspected the motive of the gang could have been to steal valuables or documents, as one door of the bungalow was found broken open. Resistance by the guards might have led to them being attacked leading to the death of one of them, they said.

Meanwhile, police sources said one or two suitcases at the bungalow were found prised open, but it was not clear what they contained. The exact reason for the attack would be known only after investigation, police said, adding they were questioning the estate's manager, staff and the injured guard.

DIG Deepak N Tomar and Superintendent of Police Murali Ramba visited the spot, while sniffer dogs and fingerprint experts were also pressed into service. Officials said the CCTV footage along the route was also being examined.

Besides, all check posts connecting Karnataka and Kerala have been alerted and five special police teams formed to fan out across the state to nab the culprits. Security has been beefed up at the incident spot as well as at the government hospital in Kothagiri, where the injured gaurd was admitted, police said.

The body of Om was handed over to his relatives after post mortem.