20-yr-old from Kayathar killed by gang over meme on WhatsApp

MADURAI: A 20-year-old youth of Kayathar near Kovilpatti in Thoothukudi district was allegedly murdered by a gang over a meme. The victim has been identified as B Suresh of North Street, Kayathar. The incident occurred late on Sunday when the gang barged into the victim’s house, sources said. Kovilpatti DSP Venkatesh said both the victim and the accused, are of the same community. After making further enquiries, the DSP said the murdered victim Suresh on a community WhatsApp group posted a meme sticker criticizing a person, who’s preferred by the key accused identified as S Pandalraja alias Paramasivam of Palayamkottai, to become a leader of the community. Irked over such meme on the common group, Paramasivam scolded Suresh over phone and a heated exchange resulted in the murder. Paramasivam along with five others stabbed Suresh, who’s rushed to Kayathar GH and then referred to Tirunelveli GMCH, where the victim was declared dead. Based on a complaint, Kayathar police have filed a case, the DSP said. Six persons were picked up for interrogation in connection with the incident, sources said.