CHENNAI – In the annals of Indian business history, few names carry as much weight—or as much infamy—as P. Rajagopal. Known affectionately by his employees as "Annachi" (Elder Brother), he built a culinary kingdom that stretched from the streets of Chennai to the skyscrapers of Manhattan. Yet, behind the aromatic façade of South India’s most successful restaurant chain lay a chilling narrative of obsession, kidnapping, and cold-blooded murder.
The Architect of a Global Empire
Born the son of an onion trader in the small village of Punnaiyadi, Rajagopal arrived in Chennai with a mere 5,000 rupees and an indomitable will. In 1981, he defied the conventions of the time to open Saravana Bhavan. By prioritizing standardized quality, hygiene, and employee welfare, he revolutionized the dining industry. For decades, he was hailed as the undisputed "King of South Indian Cuisine," a visionary who turned a humble eatery into a global gold standard.
A Fatal Prophecy
The trajectory of Rajagopal’s life took a dark turn when he fell under the influence of an astrologer. At the height of his success, he was allegedly told that if he took Jeevajyothi—the daughter of one of his assistant managers—as his third wife, his fortune would multiply tenfold.
Despite already having two wives and being decades older than the young woman, Rajagopal became obsessed. However, Jeevajyothi’s heart belonged to her tuition teacher, Prince Santhakumar. Ignoring Rajagopal's threats and financial inducements, the couple married in 1999.
The Crime that Shook the Nation
The marriage was an affront to Rajagopal’s ego. When persuasion failed, he turned to violence. On October 18, 2001, Rajagopal’s henchmen abducted Santhakumar in broad daylight.
On October 31, 2001, forest guards in the misty valleys of Kodaikanal discovered a bloated, unidentifiable body in the scrubland. Forensic evidence and DNA testing eventually confirmed the tragic truth: it was Prince Santhakumar. He had been strangled to death on Rajagopal’s orders, his body dumped five feet below the roadside in the Chola forests.
The Long Walk to Justice
Rajagopal initially used his vast wealth and political connections to suppress the investigation. However, the determination of Jeevajyothi and a rigorous police probe—reportedly encouraged by then-Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa—brought the "Annachi" to his knees.
- 2004: A local court sentenced Rajagopal to 10 years in prison.
- 2009: Upon appeal, the Madras High Court remarkably enhanced the sentence to life imprisonment, noting the gravity and premeditated nature of the crime.
- 2019: After years of legal maneuvering and medical bail pleas, the Supreme Court of India upheld the life sentence.
The Final Curtain
Weakened by age and chronic illness, P. Rajagopal surrendered to authorities in July 2019. Just days after beginning his life sentence, he suffered a massive heart attack and passed away at the age of 71.
The man who conquered the world's palate died not as a celebrated tycoon, but as a convicted murderer. His story remains a stark reminder that no amount of success can provide immunity from the law, and that the pursuit of "destiny" through cruelty eventually leads to a predictable end.
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