CHENNAI: A day after the murder of M Palaniswamy, a 47-year-old builder , inside his Audi, police have found that the crime was plotted by Ranjithkumar, a priest, after Palanisamy demanded the money Ranjithkumar had collected from him so far- an amount of more than 10 lakh.Two people - Marimuthu and Somasundaram - surrendered before a magistrate court in Saidapet on Friday in connection with the murder. Marimuthu worked as a driver to Palaniswamy on Ranjithkumar's recommendation. Palaniswamy's family told the investigating officers that the priest, who runs Jayasakthi Spiritual Centre in Agaramthen near Selaiyur, had kept Palaniswamy under his control for over a year. Palaniswamy believed the priest after some special events in his life. Palaniswamy used to buy luxury cars-including Benz, BMW and Audi-and sell them within three months. The priest made him believe that he would become the richest person. Palaniswami visited him during Fridays and Sundays to attend midnight pujas, the two surrendered people said, adding the priest made some sacrifices during the pujas.Police have launched a search for Ranjithkumar and his friend Rajesh. Ranjithkumar practised black magic in an illegally-encroached government land in Agaramthen near Selaiyur. A few months ago, the residents protested and demanded police to evacuate the priest and people, who tried to usurp one-acre poromboke land.The murder came to light after a woman, Muthu Lakshmi, lodged a complaint. Around 11am on Friday, the Selaiyur police received a call about a man sleeping in a car parked on a farmland at Sathya Nagar. Police found Palaniswamy dead with marks of rope around his neck.

Stay updated with all the Chennai Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.