Chennai police may take over techie murder probe

Chennai: The sensational murder case of software professional S Swathi at Nungambakkam railway station on Friday is likely to be transferred to the city police.
A team of the city police was assisting the government railway police (GRP) in cracking the case, commissioner T K Rajendran said on Saturday. The GRP suffers from a severe staff crunch, sources said
"It's common to transfer cases from GRP to local police as both come under the state police," said a senior officer, citing the example of the case where E Ilavarasan, a dalit youth, was found dead on the railway tracks in Dharmapuri in July 2013.
Though the Nungambakkam murder technically happened on railway premises, investigators need the support of local police and residents of the area for CCTV footage and other details. "If the city police step in, people and traders respond immediately," said retired director general of police Bholonath.
On Saturday, railway minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted on the murder: "My deep condolences on the tragic incidence at Chennai," "Directed Member(Staff) Rly Board 2 provide all help,tk up da issue wth State Govt fr taking immediate appropriate actn 2 book da culprit."
GRP officers remain tight-lipped on updates in the case. "We have got substantial evidence that could lead to apprehension of the suspect. We have formed six special teams," said P Vijayakumar, superintendent of police, GRP.
CCTV footage recovered from a few residences near the station has been circulated to all officers probing the murder. GRP deputy inspector general J Baskaran on Saturday morning paid another visit to the murder spot.