Autorickshaw race kills mechanic on Chennai Bypass Road

The deceased was identified as Prabakaran of Villivakkam, a divorcee. The incident came to the light only after he died without responding to treatment at the Chromepet Government Hospital, said the police.

Prabakaran’s friends, who admitted him to the hospital, claimed that he fell from a two-wheeler. However, they spilled the beans when the police grilled them after Prabakaran succumbed to injuries.

The incident happened on Wednesday morning. A mobile phone video retrieved from one of their phones showed a number of autos racing against each other towards Perungalathur from Porur on the Bypass Road. At least 50 bikes were seen following the racing vehicles, said the police.

Suddenly, the autorickshaw driven by Prabakaran hit a container truck from behind. Police said his friends convinced the driver of the container truck to drive off without reporting the accident. However, the Poonamallee traffic investigation received information from the hospital after which they started the investigation.

Prabakaran’s body was handed over to his brother after autopsy, while a hunt has been launched for those who were behind the racing event.