A 26-year-old woman and her lover were arrested by Alangayam police near Vaniyambadi town for killing her two children over the fear the boys could be a hindrance for their illegal relationship.

The arrested person was identified as S. Sivagami, 26, a resident of Velichanur village in Jawadhu Hills in Tiruvannamalai. She was married to B. Sait, 31. The couple had two children. The police said that Sait was arrested on charges of illegal felling of red sanders in Andhra Pradesh a few years ago. He is currently lodged in a local prison there. Sivagami befriended S. Raja, 34, a cab driver, in the hills.

The police said that on August 27, Sivagami took her two children, S. Prem Kumar, 5, and S. Pratap, 2, to Alangayam town by bus and walked to a nearby farm well. The police said that as the boys were eagerly watching the water level in the farm well, Sivagami allegedly pushed them into the well and left the spot.

The police said the boys drowned before landowner G. Prakasam came to the farm well. On being informed, Alangayam police retrieved the bodies and a case was registered.

Sivagami, who confessed to the crime, was lodged at a sub-jail in Tirupattur town. Further probe is under way.