Gang hurls bombs, hacks two to death

The deceased have been identified as B Jeeva and R Gopi of Kancheepuram. According to sources, the incident happened around 10.30 am when the duo was riding a motorcycle from Thirupachur to Thakkolam in Tiruvallur district. 

While Jeeva was controlling the vehicle, Gopi was riding pillion. As they were crossing Pannur village near Mappedu, the gang who were hiding nearby hurled country bombs at them. When the duo lost balance and fell on the road, the gang surrounded and allegedly hacked them to death.

After ensuring that the duo was dead, the gang fled the spot on two-wheelers, threatening the people around who tried to secure them, with weapons.

On information, Tiruvallur police superintendent Aravindhan and other officials, including personnel from Mappedu police station, rushed to the spot. The victims’ bodies  were removed for post-mortem, and sniffer dogs were pressed into service at the scene of crime.

According to sources, after gangster Sridhar poisoned self to death in Cambodia in 2017, his men in Kancheepuram formed their own groups. Sridhar’s car driver Dinesh and cousin Thaniga alias Thanikachalam became arch rivals in their fight to take over control in Kancheepuram and several men have reportedly been killed in the process.

The police are holding inquiries to ascertain which gang the deceased belonged to, and have launched a hunt for the suspects. Further investigation is on. Tension prevailed in Mappedu due to the double murder.

It may be noted that Dinesh and his accomplice Thyagu have been detained under the Goondas Act and lodged at the Vellore and Palayamkottai central prisons respectively.

Thanikachalam and his gang are still at large.