CHENNAI: A history sheeter and his 17-year-old associate, who were asleep in an intoxicated state, were hacked to death by a 12-member gang, near the city airport in the early hours of Monday. Officials said eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder, while the hunt is on to trace four main accused who are absconding.
The deceased were identified as Arumugam (20) of Mudichur, a history sheeter with around 30 criminal cases, including a murder, who was released on bail about six months ago, and Sathish (17), who was also involved in criminal cases.
Fearing threats from rival gangs in Mudichur, Arumugam had initially moved to Manali before shifting to Tirusulam about four months ago. The duo was involved in supplying ganja in the locality, alleged the police.
Around 3 am, while they were asleep, a 12-member gang came there on three motorcycles, barged into the house and hacked them with machetes. Police said Arumugam's face was mutilated beyond recognition.
Neighbours who heard their screams rushed towards the house, but the attackers threatened them with weapons before fleeing the scene. Based on an alert, the Pallavaram police and special teams from the Tambaram city police rushed to the spot, secured the area, and sent the bodies for autopsy. Tambaram Commissioner A Amal Raj also visited the scene and reviewed the investigation.
Arumugam was allegedly linked to the murder of a DMK functionary in Sriperumbudur last year, and police suspect the killing may have been carried out due to gang rivalry.