Gambler kills Salem youth

Police said that some persons used to drink and gamble sitting at the entrance of Maariamman Temple in Kannankurichi in Salem city. They habitually tease women and pickup quarrel with passers-by. 

On Saturday night agitated over their unruly behaviour, Sathyaprakash, a youth in the locality, questioned their acts. A heated argument resulted between him and the gamblers. It was learnt that the youth was bit harsh in his words with the persons who were in an inebriated condition on Saturday night. Sathyaprakash left in a huff from the place after censuring the group. 

However, on Sunday around 10 30 am, when Sathyaprakash was in front of the temple, an autorickshaw driver Arul of that locality walked straight to him and beat him badly before stabbing him with a knife which he was hiding all along. 

Arul then fled the place leaving Sathyaprakash battling for his life in a pool of blood. 

Residents of the locality who were horrified at the turn of events, rushed the badly injured youth to the Salem Government Hospital. Sadly, he succumbed to injuries despite treatment. 

Sathyaprakash’s relatives Shyamala and Hema told reporters that Arul was engaged in gambling for quite some time and that their relative was murdered when he questioned Arul for indulging in such acts.