A 20-year-old man with a history of criminal cases was brutally hacked to death in broad daylight near the Madhava Perumal Temple in Chennai's Mylapore area on Sunday evening. This shocking incident marks the second daylight murder reported in the same locality within a span of just ten days, sending waves of tension through the neighbourhood.
Details of the Fatal Attack
The victim has been identified as Ashwath, also known as Soosai, a resident of Srinivasanpuram in Foreshore Estate. According to police reports, the attack occurred around 4 pm on Sunday while Ashwath was riding a two-wheeler near the temple premises. A three-member gang, who had allegedly been trailing him, intercepted his vehicle and launched a vicious assault using knives.
Ashwath sustained deep and severe injuries during the attack, including a critical wound to his head. He collapsed on the road, lying in a pool of blood. Alert bystanders quickly notified the police, prompting a team from the Mylapore police station to rush to the scene. The injured young man was immediately transported to the Government Royapettah Hospital for emergency treatment.
Despite medical efforts, Ashwath succumbed to his injuries on Monday afternoon. Consequently, the case, which was initially registered as an attempt to murder, was officially altered to a murder case following his death.
Police Investigation and Arrests
In a swift follow-up, the police arrested two suspects on Monday. The arrested individuals have been named as Manikandan and Azharuddin. Law enforcement agencies are currently conducting a search to apprehend the third suspect involved in the crime.
Preliminary investigations point towards a long-standing conflict between Ashwath and the assailants that had been simmering for over the past year. To gather concrete evidence, the police are meticulously examining CCTV footage from the vicinity of the crime scene. They are also analysing the vehicle registration numbers of the two-wheelers used by the attackers to make their escape after the murder.
Rising Tensions and Police Response
The killing has created a palpable sense of fear and tension in Mylapore and surrounding areas. This feeling is compounded by the fact that it follows closely on the heels of another gruesome murder. On November 21, a youth named Mauli was murdered in the nearby Mandaveli area. Four men were arrested in connection with that earlier case.
With two murders reported within ten days under the Mylapore police limits, the local authorities have been forced to take stringent action. In response to the escalating violence, the police have intensified surveillance and stepped up patrolling across the entire area. The aim is to restore public confidence and prevent any further incidents of such brutal daylight crimes.
