Overview

• S. Gomathi, a Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi councillor in Avadi, was fatally stabbed by her husband, Stephen Raj, after an argument over alleged infidelity.
• Stephen Raj surrendered to Thiruninravur police and admitted to the attack; he remains in custody as officers probe his motives.
• Authorities are examining links to recent spousal and dowry-related violence, including two suicides of newlywed women in late June.
• Investigators have also turned attention to the custodial death of temple guard Ajith Kumar, whose post-mortem showed signs of prolonged abuse.
• Government data show Tamil Nadu recorded 340 murders in Q1 2025, marking a 3.4% decline compared with the same period last year.