Kodanad Estate Murder and Robbery Case – Estate Manager Natarajan Appears for CBCID Inquiry
Kodanad Estate, once owned by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, became the center of controversy following a murder and robbery incident in April 2017. The case has undergone several phases of investigation and remains a significant topic in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
Estate Manager Natarajan Appears for Inquiry
In a major development, Estate Manager Natarajan, considered a key witness in the case, appeared before the CBCID (Crime Branch Criminal Investigation Department) office in Gandhipuram, Coimbatore, for the first time. He had previously been summoned twice but failed to appear.
Given his close association with the estate and his alleged connections with Sasikala’s family, Natarajan’s testimony is expected to be crucial in shaping the direction of the investigation. Senior CBCID officials conducted a detailed inquiry, questioning him about the events surrounding the 2017 incident.
Background of the Kodanad Case
On April 23, 2017, an armed robbery took place at Kodanad Estate, leading to the murder of a security guard named Om Bahadur. Several valuable documents and items were reportedly stolen from the estate. This case gained political significance due to the alleged involvement of individuals linked to key political figures in Tamil Nadu.
So far, ten individuals, including Sayan, Sateeshan, Udayakumar, Jamsheer Ali, Deepu, Santhosh, Dilip Joy, Valayar Manoj, and Manoj, have been accused in connection with the case. The CBCID has recorded statements from nearly 250 people as part of its ongoing investigation.
Sayan and Other Key Suspects
Sayan, one of the prime accused in the case, has been under intense police scrutiny. In a shocking twist, Sayan lost his wife and child in a car accident in 2017, shortly after the Kodanad incident. He later alleged that former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami had connections to the robbery, further fueling political controversy.
Given these allegations and the political sensitivity of the case, the investigation has seen multiple turns over the years.
Current Status of the Investigation
The CBCID is aggressively pursuing the case, with Natarajan’s recent appearance adding new momentum to the inquiry. His testimony is expected to shed light on crucial aspects, including the estate’s management, internal security details, and any missing documents linked to the incident.
As investigations continue, more individuals connected to the estate may be summoned, and further developments in the case are anticipated. The Kodanad case remains one of Tamil Nadu’s most talked-about criminal and political controversies, with potential implications for several key figures.
