Chennai: A 26-year-old man was hacked to death in Chennai’s Tiruvottiyur area, a day after he allegedly approached the police seeking protection for himself and his family and made allegations against a police inspector.
The deceased, identified as Pradeep Raj, a resident of West Mada Street in Tiruvottiyur, was allegedly chased and attacked by a group of men on Wednesday.
Four people, including a history-sheeter, have been arrested in connection with the murder, Chennai Police said.
Pradeep had approached the Tiruvottiyur police station a day before his death, alleging a threat to his life and seeking police protection for his family. He had also submitted complaints to the Chennai Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and SP offices.
A day before the murder, Pradeep also spoke to the media in a video and made allegations against the Tiruvottiyur police inspector.
According to his complaint, Pradeep said his family had been living in the area for around 15 years. He alleged that his mother had taken a loan for another person, following which the family became involved in a financial dispute.
He claimed that when the family approached authorities over the dispute, a counter-complaint was filed against him, following which he was arrested.
Pradeep further alleged that the Tiruvottiyur inspector had threatened him during a conversation and claimed that the officer was supporting the other party involved in the dispute.
He also alleged that the inspector asked him to approach Chief Minister Vijay if he wanted to complain and claimed that he was assaulted after bringing a lawyer.
Pradeep had also alleged that the dispute involved the Navaneetham family over a financial matter.
Murder After Police Protection Plea
On Wednesday, Pradeep was allegedly intercepted by a group while riding a two-wheeler on West Mada Street in Tiruvottiyur. The attackers allegedly chased and hacked him before fleeing the spot.
He was rushed to a hospital but was declared brought dead, police said.
The Tiruvottiyur Police registered a murder case and launched an investigation. Four people, including a history-sheeter, have now been arrested in connection with the case, police said.
The arrests come amid questions over the circumstances leading to the murder, particularly as Pradeep had approached the police just a day earlier seeking protection.
The incident has also triggered a political row in Tamil Nadu, with opposition leaders questioning the law-and-order situation in Chennai.
DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi criticised the state government over the murder and alleged that adequate action was not being taken against the rising number of crimes.
In a post on X, Kanimozhi wrote, “Another murder in the capital city of Chennai! With such murder and robbery incidents continuing day after day, it’s impossible to avoid raising one suspicion.”
Police are continuing their investigation into the murder and the circumstances surrounding Pradeep’s earlier complaints.