Six arrested for killing ‘reformed’ history-sheeter

A 36-year-old man, who was an aide to gangster Arumbakkam Radhakrishnan, was hacked to death in Anna Nagar reportedly over previous enmity. The police arrested five suspects, including two juveniles.

The deceased was identified as P Santhanam of Annai Sathya Main Road. Police said that he had left all criminal activities five years ago and was working as a house painter. He was survived by his two wives and a 13-year-old son.

The incident took place on Wednesday night at Annai Sathya Nagar Main Road, 8th street junction, a few metres away from his house. While he was returning from work on his two-wheeler, a gang of men intercepted him and threw chilli powder at him.

When Santhanam lost balance and fell off the bike, the gang attacked him with weapons and fled the spot. Santhanam sustained multiple cut injuries on his face and died on the spot. Chilli powder was scattered at the spot, too.

Passers-by, who noticed Santhanam lying in a pool of blood, rushed him to Kilpauk Medical College (KMC) and Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

On information, the Anna Nagar police registered a case and launched a hunt for the suspects.

Santhanam’s mother Sheebarani claimed that this was the second time her son was attacked. She said, the police did not arrest the suspects in the previous incident.

Meanwhile, in an overnight search operation by a team of officials led by inspector Saravanan, police arrested R Sathish (25), E Joseph (19), K Hari (20), Vimal (20) and two juveniles. Main accused, E Robert alias Chinna Robert (21) is absconding. After preliminary inquiry, police said that Chinna Robert and Sathish wanted to settle scores with Santhanam as they were attacked by Santhanam earlier.

“They murdered Santhanam with an intention to project themselves as bigger rowdy elements in the locality,” said police.