Youth brutally attacked by gang in Porur; links to ganja trade being probed

CHENNAI: Tamizh, a 22-year-old resident of Thelliyar Agaram near Iyyappanthangal here, who reportedly has multiple cases registered against him at the Porur police station, was attacked by a gang on Monday night. The incident was caught on CCTV footage which showed the gang roaming around in five two-wheelers after attacking the victim.

Tamizh, who was sitting and talking with his friends in Thelliyar Agaram area, was suddenly called away by a group who had arrived in five two-wheelers. Once Tamizh was isolated, the assailants, who had knives with them, launched a brutal attack on the youth. Tamizh collapsed to the ground while the gang fled the scene, said a Daily Thanthi report.

On their way, they attacked Surya, a teenager from one of the northern states, who was walking along the road. In a fit of frenzy, the gang also damaged parked two-wheelers and cars with their knives before leaving the spot, the report added.

All of these events were captured in CCTV cameras installed in the neighbourhood.

The injured Tamizh was later rescued and rushed to a private hospital in Porur where he was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and is currently receiving treatment.

Initial probe revealed that Tamizh had an ongoing rivalry with a Sabari from Kattupakkam over the sale of ganja. Sabari, along with his associates, is suspected to be involved in the assault on Tamizh last night. The police are also investigating to ascertain if there are more underlying reasons.

Locals, meanwhile, said that they have repeatedly informed the police about rising ganja sales in the neighbourhood, opining that this may have fuelled the factional conflict. However, they allege that the cops have not acted on these complaints and that intelligence officials are protecting those involved in the illegal drug trade, the Daily Thanthi report added.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of Iyyappanthangal Residents Welfare Association has written to the SRMC police station seeking increased police presence and patrolling in their neighbourhood.

P Senthil Kumar, the co-ordinator of the allied resident welfare associations, stated in the petition that instances of inebriated persons and youths under the influence of narcotic substances loitering on the streets have increased and the general public is feeling unsafe.

Meanwhile, Avadi City Police have formed special teams to trace the suspects involved in the attack on the youth.

(With inputs from Bureau)