K Sampath Kumar, a lorry-driver, allegedly fed his son (10) and daughter (9) food mixed with some poisonous substance last night and the children died in sleep, the police said.
Kumar, who is reportedly suffering from some psychological disorder, went to his neighbours this morning in an inebriated condition and informed them about the death of his children. He even attempted suicide by consuming poisonous substance, Dundigal police station inspector P Venkateshwarlu said.
"However, locals grew suspicious about Kumar's claim after they saw bodies of the children and a cloth hanging to the ceiling of Kumar's house and they beat him up before alerting police about the incident. Kumar, who seems to be a psycho, was subsequently shifted to a hospital for treatment," the police officer said.
The children were staying with their grandmother and had come to Kumar's place during the summer vacation.
Police said that Kumar had written on the wall of his house expressing his love for his wife Karuna alias Lakshmi who died last year.
Kumar has confessed the crime, the police added.