Infosys employee hacked to death by ‘stalker’ at Chennai railway station

A 24-year-old woman working for software giant Infosys was hacked to death on Friday on a railway platform in Chennai, allegedly by a man who had stalked her for months.

Police said the incident happened around 6.30 am at the Nungambakkam railway station and was witnessed by other people on the platform.

In 2013, India made stalking a crime with punishment up to three years in jail but harassment of women leading to tragic incidents continue to take place across the country.

The victim, identified as S Swathi, was employed with Infosys’ branch at Mahindra World City at Singaperumalkoil, around 60 km from Chennai.

Reports quoting eyewitnesses said a man in green shirt and black trousers attacked Swathi with a sickle after a heated argument. She received deep cuts in her face and neck before collapsing in a pool of blood.

Reports said the man had been stalking her for several months from the station to her workplace.

There are no CCTV cameras in the railway station though police said they have zeroed in on the assailant.

Swathi, a resident of Choolaimedu near the station, was waiting to board a suburban train to reach her office as per her routine, police added.

Infosys described the incident as “unfortunate” and said it was cooperating with investigating officials.

“We are saddened by the unfortunate incident that has led to the demise of our employee in Chennai. We are working with the local authorities as they investigate the matter and will continue to provide our co-operation and support,” the company said in a statement.