TN: FRENCH MAN'S HALF-BURNT BODY FOUND; 'LOVER' HELD

Local police on August 13 arrested Thirumurugan, 29, of Thanjavur for killing M Pierre Boutier, 55, a French tourist. The two were reportedly in a homosexual relationship after Thirumurugan befriended Boutier on a trip to Mahabalipuram and invited to join him at Thanjavur on August 5.

Reportedly an argument broke out between the two over a drinking session when Thirumurugan allegedly killed Boutier. The accused then tried to burn the body and dumped it into an irrigation canal.

Locals who spotted the body informed the police who recovered the body and also found Boutier's passport. Thirumurugan allegedly confessed to the crime.