Almost two months after attacking and robbing an old couple in Tirunelveli district, the men who were behind the crime have been arrested.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Tirunelveli SP P Arun Sakthikumar said that both accused, identified as Balamurugan (30) and Perumal (54) were arrested on Wednesday. Both history sheeters, accused Balamurugan has 38 cases against him registered across Tamil Nadu and Perumal has eight cases against him in Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli.

The accused had attacked an elderly couple Shanmugasundaram and Senthamarai, aged 70 and 65, in their farmhouse in August. The video of the couple fighting the robbers had gone viral on social media leading to the government of Tamil Nadu conferring Bravery Awards on the couple on Independence day.

“We have recovered the mangalsutra, weighing around 35 grams, which the duo had snatched from the couple that night. We have also recovered two billhooks and clothes worn by the accused on the day of the incident,” he said adding that an air gun has also been recovered from the accused.

"Since Balamurugan was a localite, they decided to survey the area before attacking them. On the third day, they struck. After the attack, they have tried to dispose off their clothes, but they weren’t able to do so. We have recovered those clothes,” he explained. He also added that after the attack on the old couple, the duo had engaged in a chain-snatching incident in Ponmalai Nagar and had fled from the locality.

“The machetes and airgun were stolen from the property near the old couple’s house. We have registered a separate FIR for that,” he said.

He also appreciated the police personnel from the constables, sub-inspectors and investigating officer behind the arrest and said that special rewards have been arranged for all the police personnel who had worked to trace the accused and arrest them.