An influencer was allegedly hacked to death by her husband with a sickle before their teenage son found their bodies at the family home.
The couple’s younger son rushed home on Monday (27 Apr) after receiving a disturbing WhatsApp message from his father, only to discover the horrific scene.
The victims have been identified only as Nagalakshmi and Subramanian.
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Police say Subramanian, 52, had moved out of the family home two years ago following a serious argument and had been living with his sister.
However, he had recently reconciled with Nagalakshmi, 42, and moved back in around 10 days before the killing, before tensions reportedly flared again.
Nagalakshmi ran a sari business, Sree Sai Silks, and had around 350,000 followers on Instagram, where she promoted her products and shared weaving tips.
She also owned two physical stores in Chennai, India.
Earlier on Monday, Subramanian had sent a disturbing WhatsApp message to their son Sailash, which reportedly said: “Your mother and I will no longer be at home. I have kept food for you. Come home and eat.”
The 18-year-old dentistry student returned home and found his mother dead, and his father dead in another room.
It is believed Subramanian was unemployed and frequently asked Nagalakshmi for money, leading to repeated disputes.
During their separation, she reportedly continued sending him money online.
Police believe that after an argument, Subramanian left the house, bought a sickle, returned, killed Nagalakshmi, and then took his own life.
The couple’s elder son, 21-year-old Harish Bharadwaj, is studying medicine in Russia.
The case remains under investigation.
One follower wrote online: “When a woman progresses in her life, it is deeply distressing when even her husband views it with hostility.
“May the soul of this remarkable woman, who paved the way for progress, rest in peace. Your achievements will always endure.”
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