Tamil Nadu: French tourist found murdered, one arrested
A 50-year-old French tourist was found murdered in Avikkottai village in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district, police said today. The killing came to light yesterday after the half-burnt body of M Pierre Boutier wrapped in a gunny bag was found in an irrigation channel. Police arrested 29-year-old Thirumurugan on the charge of killing Frenchman whom he had befriended during a visit to Mahabalipuram recently.
Victim, accused were allegedly in a homosexual relationship
A resident of Avikkottai village, Thirumurugan, who surrendered on his own yesterday, "confessed" to the crime, the police said. The two were allegedly in a homosexual relationship and Boutier had come to Avikottai on August 5 on an invitation by Thirumurugan.
Police recovered Boutier's passport
Some days ago, when both were consuming liquor an argument broke out and Thirumurugan allegedly attacked the Frenchman, killing him on the spot. He subsequently attempted to burn the body and wrapped it in a gunny bag and dumped it into the Ullikottai irrigation channel, police said. On being informed by the locals, police recovered the body and also found Boutier's passport.
