Hacked history-sheeter dies in hospital, eight held for murder

The deceased, ‘Thakkali’ Bharath (38) of Kakkanji Nagar in Vyasarpadi, was a painter and was also allegedly involved in criminal activities in his neighbourhood. He had several cases, including murder, attempt-to-murder, robbery and extortion, pending against him at the police stations in MKB Nagar, Sembium, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar and Vyasarpadi.

According to police, Bharath had previous enmity with Vikash, who distributes water cans in the locality. Vikash was recently assaulted after he refused to pay money to Bharath.

Based on his complaint, Sembium police had arrested Bharath and remanded him in judicial custody. Released from prison on May 15, Bharath stayed out of town fearing revenge attack from Vikash and his gang. However, he returned home three days ago.

On Monday night, when Bharath was standing at Kakkanji Nagar, Vikash and six of his friends surrounded and hacked him before feeling from the spot. Bharath suffered 12 cut injuries all over his body, police said. Seeing him lying in a pool of blood, passers-by rushed Bharath to Stanley Medical College Hospital. But he died without responding to treatment on Wednesday.