CHENNAI: Tambaram City Police have ruled out honour killing angle in the murder of the 22 year old youth at Thaiyur near Kelambakkam, citing that both the victim and the accused belonged to the same community – scheduled castes.

Four persons have been arrested so far.

The deceased, Praveen Kumar of Chinnamma Nagar, Thaiyur, had been in a relationship with a woman from the same locality for three years, police said.

As her family was against the relationship, on August 16, a group including her relatives confronted Praveen and attacked him with weapons. Praveen was grievously injured and died on August 20 (Thursday).

Kelambakkam police initially registered an attempt-to-murder case based on a complaint from the victim’s mother, Parvathi (48). After his death, the case was changed to murder.

Police arrested four persons, S Ezhumalai (43), his son E Gowtham (18), M Nandhees (18) and R Manikandan (32).

Gowtham was arrested on August 21, while the other three were arrested earlier. All four were remanded in judicial custody.

Police are searching for another suspect. Praveen’s friends and family members staged a road roko on Friday seeking severe action against the perpetrators.