Gang hacks scrap dealer to death for tipping off police; 5 held

CHENNAI: A 37-year-old scrap dealer was hacked to death by a five-member gang in Allikulam market complex in Periamet on Saturday night, allegedly for the deceased informing police about sale of ganja at a shop in the market. The accused were later arrested by the police in neighbouring Tiruvallur district.

The deceased S Munusamy, who lived with his family in Pulianthope, was murdered after he fell out with history-sheeter Manikandan (27) alias ‘Pulimootai’, investigations revealed. Manikandan runs a phone spare parts shop in Allikulam market complex.

A couple of weeks ago, Periamet police had warned Manikandan against discreet ganja sales. Manikandan learnt that it was Munusamy who had tipped the police. Irked over this, Manikandan planned to murder Munusamy.

On Saturday night, Manikandan and four of his friends surrounded Munusamy after he closed his shop. Though Munusamy took to his heels, he was chased and hacked by the gang, who fled the scene. Police moved Munusamy to a hospital, where he was declared brought dead.

On Sunday wee hours, during a check by Tiruvallur town police, the five were apprehended. Seeing the police, one of them fled. Tiruvallur police secured Manikandan and his friends, and later arrested the one who gave them the slip.