Conservancy worker murdered for questioning rowdyism in area

CHENNAI: A conservancy worker with Chennai Corporation who questioned rowdyism by a gang in his neighbourhood in Kannagi Nagar was allegedly murdered by the gang during the early hours of Sunday.

The deceased was identified as P Manikandan (31). Police said that Manikandan and his family members, including his elder brother and mother, are employed as contract workers with the civic body.

On late Saturday night, Manikandan had borrowed money from his elder brother, Velayutham and left home allegedly to buy liquor when he was hacked by the gang.

According to a complaint by Velayutham, Manikandan had previous enmity with a local gang headed by one Murugavel as his brother questioned their rowdy ways in the neighbourhood a month ago.

On Friday too, one of the gang members, Gandhi had threatened Manikandan and his family when they were at their tenement, according to Velayutham’s complaint.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Manikandan had bought liquor from another gang selling liquor beyond stipulated hours, police sources said. Murugavel’s gang rounded up Manikandan and keeping their previous enmity in mind, the gang assaulted Manikandan asking him why he is buying liquor from their rival gang.

When Manikandan questioned, they took a knife and attacked him. His family members moved him to the Government Royapettah Hospital, where he succumbed to injuries on Sunday.

Kannangi Nagar Police registered a case of murder against Murugavel, Gandhi, Veera, Kuttiyappa, Ajith and Antony and have secured two persons.