Fearing ‘encounter’, gangster, aides surrender

The 33-year-old was part of the gangs run by local gangsters ‘Maha’ alias Mahalingam and GG Ravi, before rising to prominence after these two were murdered in gang war. 

Along with Johnny of Katpadi, Raja, from Vasoor near Vellore, had emerged as a notorious criminal in the district. He has cases including murder, kidnap and extortion cases pending against him, sources said. 

According to sources, Raja surrendered before the court on Tuesday following fear that his name was on the encounter list following the police crackdown on criminal elements ever since the birthday bash of a gangster in Chennai turned into an embarrassment for the authorities. 

Many escaping from Chennai reportedly took shelter in this border district, which prompted the local police to crackdown on the anti-social elements. A special team was formed to nab the absconding criminals. Around the time, rumours then had suggested that both Raja and Johnny have escaped to Andhra Pradesh. 

The two who surrendered were identified as Yogesh (25) and Veeramani (25) of Sathuvachary. The Tirupattur magistrate court remanded them in custody for 15 days.