Four persons were arrested in connection with the murder of a couple near Madukkarai, on the outskirts two days ago.

Amalraj, a painter by profession, and his wife Lakshmi were found murdered near their house in Veerappanur, following which two special police teams were formed to nab the culprits.

Based on some clues, police zeroed in on Rangasamy, a neighbour of Amalraj and his friend Murugavel from Pudukkottai, police said.

On information given by Rangasamy, two others – Harishkumar and Mahalingam – who had assisted in the brutal murder were also nabbed.

During interrogation it was revealed that Amalraj had had an illicit affair with Rangasamy’s wife and despite several warnings he had continued the relationship.

As planned, Amalraj was waylaid on the night of the December 27 and done to death with an iron rod. Lakshmi, who tried to resist the attempt, was also murdered. They also planned to eliminate the couple’s daughter Nagalakshmi, but fortunately she had raised an alarm that had alerted the neighbours, Rangasamy is said to have confessed during the interrogation.The weapons used in the murder were also seized.

All the accused were produced before the court and later lodged in the Central Jail here.