The accused in the case of murdering Vineethamol, an employee of an ornamental plant shop in Peroorkada's Ambalamukku, was arrested by the police yesterday. The murder took place when the city was almost at a standstill in the lockdown on a Sunday. The killer, who pretended to buy the plant, snatched the woman's necklace and her life itself and left the place. The case, which had no eyewitnesses, posed a number of challenges to the investigating officers but they managed to catch the culprit behind with the available evidence. This is a case in which the Kerala Police's investigation capabilities have once again come to light. It has been reported that the arrested accused is not a serious offender and is a notorious criminal involved in four murder cases in Tamil Nadu. He was released on bail and was staying safely in Thiruvananthapuram. Rajendran was arrested from a lodge at Kavalkinar in Nagercoil.

The accused is also an employee of a tea shop near the shop where the murder took place. The condition to keep the personal information of an outsider before hiring was not met. Many small and large shops in the city employ people from other states. When such crimes are committed, investigations and inquiries are made. The statute not to employ anyone who does not have identification documents should be strictly adhered to.

The accused got into an auto and then got into a two - wheeler. The information provided by the two helped the police to reach the accused. The footage from the CCTV cameras in these areas was also very helpful. Most of the cameras in the city usually do not work. In any case, the camera footage helped to find the accused.

Despite being accused in four murder cases in Tamil Nadu, it is amazing how he managed to cross into Kerala safely. His name is also on the local goonda list. The delay in completing the trial of such criminals and sending them to jail has become a nightmare for the society. The longer it take for the court's verdict, the greater the violence they create in society. Rajendran is accused in the murder and robbery of a customs officer, his wife and daughter in Aruvamozhi in Kanyakumari district. It is unknown how he managed to escape the clutches of law and roam around freely.

The police now have to find a way to lock up the accused Rajendran so that he cannot escape anyway. The proceedings should be completed expeditiously and the accused should be brought before the court. The case should be handled by competent lawyers. Deserved punishment must also be given. Do not forget that evidence is important in court. Special care should be taken to ensure that the absence of eyewitnesses does not favor the accused. It is in the social interest to ensure that the place of such heinous criminals is within the iron bars.