A shocking case of violence has rocked Tambaram, near Chennai, as a 26-year-old software engineer was brutally murdered on the eve of her birthday. As per the media reports, her former classmate had undergone a gender change surgery to marry her. According to police, 26-year-old Vetrimaran alias Pandi Maheswari blindfolded 24-year-old R Nandhini for a birthday surprise and chained her. After that, he slashed Nandhini with a blade and burnt her alive in an unimaginable ordeal.The victim was native of Madurai and has been residing with relatives in Chennai. Meanwhile. Vetrimaran changed his name from Pandi Maheswari after the sex change surgery.As it happenedOn Saturday, Nandanis birthday, Vetrimaran allegedly spent the day with her, culminating in a horrifying evening at a deserted spot. Police reports depict a chilling sequence of events where Vetrimaran, despite Nandanis pleas, restrained her with chains, claiming it was a birthday prank. This was followed by the unthinkable act of dousing her with petrol and setting her ablaze.The two were friends and lived together in Chennai, confirmed Tambaram police commissioner Amalraj, further clarifying that theres no indication yet of any sexual assault and whether Vetrimaran exhibited prior violent tendencies is unclear.While the investigation is ongoing, the motive is believed to be rooted in Vetrimarans anger and resentment over the broken relationship. Police also clarified that both of them had worked together in a private IT firm in Thoraipakkam.