CHENNAI: A 23-year-old history-sheeter was hacked to death by a gang inside the Government Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital (KMCH) in the early hours of Monday, triggering panic among patients and attendants.

The deceased, R Adhikesavan alias Adhi (23), a resident of Mahatma Gandhi Nagar, Kolathur, had more than half a dozen criminal cases pending against him.

In March 2022, he was arrested in connection with the murder of another history-sheeter, Palani, and had been released on bail only a couple of weeks ago.

Police said Adhi had gone to KMCH to console his friend Suchitra (21), who had delivered a premature baby on December 16. The infant died on Sunday despite treatment. According to police, Suchitra’s husband, Surya, strongly opposed her friendship with Adhi.

After meeting Suchitra, Adhi slept in the waiting area outside the ward. In the early hours, a gang allegedly attacked him with lethal weapons. Police sources said Adhi was inebriated at the time of the assault. He suffered multiple injuries and died on the spot, while the attackers fled. Hospital staff alerted the police, who rushed to the scene and sent the body to the mortuary for a post-mortem.

Additional Commissioner of Police (South) KS Narenthiran Nayar and Joint Commissioner (East) Bandi Gangadhar inspected the crime scene. “We have secured two main suspects. Others have also been detained,” Nayar said.

Police said the attackers were led by Surya. Investigators revealed that after his re

Police said Adhi was inebriated at the time of the assault. He suffered multiple injuries and died on the spot

lease, Adhi had allegedly threatened Kishore, a relative of Palani. Kishore is believed to have joined hands with Surya and others to plot Adhi’s murder. Police suspect Suchitra’s friend, acting as her attender, tipped off Surya about Adhi’s presence at the hospital.

Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami slammed the breakdown of law and order, “even inside a GH premise”.