Premarital sex was the cause behind the murder of an Indian-origin student from Singapore at a hotel in Australia, a media report said.
Police alleged that Senthill Kumar Arumugam, 31, stabbed to death 27-year-old Meena Narayanan, at the Travelodge hotel in Brisbane Tuesday.
Arumugam, an engineer working in South Africa, allegedly said he had sex with his victim in Singapore, but being Hindus they realised it was culturally wrong to have sex outside marriage. This had caused the pair depression, the Herald Sun reported Thursday.
The accused had found the victim through an Indian marriage website and met her once in Singapore.
Police found the victim’s body in a room at the hotel about 12.30 a.m. Tuesday, following frantic triple-0 calls from other guests who heard her screams.
The high-pitched screams lasted up to three minutes.
The accused, who checked into the hotel last Friday after arriving from South Africa, allegedly stabbed her multiple times in the abdomen, covered her face with a pillow, and slit her throat.
Police alleged the victim sustained multiple stab wounds on her wrists, legs, elbows and hands.
Narayanan was living in Brisbane while studying at Queensland University of Technology.
Arumugam also sustained injuries and he was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital under police guard.
Narayanan’s brother Letchumanan Thursday said he believed some of the information the accused had provided to police was false.
“I would like to only clarify that the accused was in the country to meet my sister. There was no marriage that was arranged,” he said.
“He is a friend that she had met recently, and she’s likely to have visited him to see him off before his flight back,” he added.
“The family is in extreme shock, disbelief, sorrow and yet is attempting to deal with the necessary processes. My sister was looking forward to work further in Australia or in Singapore, and was an outgoing, jovial, and well-respected girl. Beyond this, I would request that you provide the family the privacy it needs to deal with this tragedy,” he said.
Published in The Indian Sun (Indian Newspaper in Melbourne)
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
