Chennai teen, undergoing mental health treatment, stabs mother to death

Police said the 19-year-old allegedly attacked his mother (56) while she was asleep at their Chennai home. The accused was reportedly undergoing treatment for mental health issues.Thuraipakkam Police has registered a case and launched an investigation. (Representative Image)A 19-year-old youth, undergoing mental health treatment, allegedly killed his mother at their residence in Chennai's Perungudi on Sunday night, police said.The accused, identified as Rakesh, allegedly strangled his 43-year-old mother, Senni Devi, before stabbing her in the neck with a knife. He also allegedly assaulted her with a stone, leading to her death.According to preliminary police inquiries, Rakesh had failed to clear his Class 12 examinations and had reportedly been reprimanded by his parents. He had not pursued further studies and had been staying at home. Police said he had also been undergoing treatment for mental health issues over the past few months.The incident reportedly took place while Rakesh's father was away from home. Officials said the youth allegedly attacked his mother while she was asleep. After the alleged assault, Rakesh reportedly came out of the house and called neighbours for help, asking them to save his mother. By the time assistance arrived, Senni Devi had succumbed to her injuries.Her body has been sent to the Government Royapettah Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The Thuraipakkam Police has registered a case and launched an investigation to ascertain the exact sequence of events and the circumstances leading to the alleged murder.- EndsPublished By: Sahil SinhaPublished On: Jul 20, 2026 12:33 IST