PDS smuggler on bail hacked to death by gang

The deceased, Chelladurai, 34, from Kitchipalayam is facing more than 20 cases, including murder, attempt to murder and smuggling of ration rice in Salem district.

Police said that Chelladurai had come out on bail just two weeks ago after he was arrested on charges of smuggling PDS rice. He was also detained under the Goondas Act.

On Tuesday night, Chelladurai was on his way to the house of his second wife at Ammapettai, when the gang followed his car and hacked him to death in a filmy style on Erumapalayam Main Road. He died on the spot after bleeding profusely.

Police suspect that Chelladurai was murdered in a gang rivalry as he had a dispute with one John for revealing his involvement in rice smuggling activity to police.

Police have secured few members of the gang and further inquiries are on.