Chennai, March 18 (NationPress) The Chennai Police have taken four individuals into custody related to the gruesome murder of two history sheeters in Kotturpuram, Tamil Nadu.

The deceased, recognized as Arun Kumar (25) and Padappai Suresh (25), were brutally attacked with machetes by a gang reportedly commanded by Sukku Kaapi Suresh on a Sunday night.

As per police reports, Arun Kumar and his sibling had an existing feud with Sukku Kaapi Suresh, who was alleged to be involved in the recruitment of minors for drug trafficking. The conflict escalated following the mysterious strangulation of Arun Kumar’s romantic partner, Shahinshah, a widow with two children, in her residence in Kelambakkam in 2022.

Arun suspected Sukku Kaapi Suresh's role in her demise and had pledged revenge.

To safeguard himself, Sukku Kaapi Suresh purportedly orchestrated the assault.

On that fateful Sunday night, approximately at 11 p.m., Arun and his acquaintance Padappai Suresh, who had grown close during their incarceration, became heavily intoxicated and fell asleep.

Seizing the moment, Suresh and his crew attacked them with machetes and sickles before fleeing the scene.

In the aftermath of the double homicide, the Greater Chennai Police initiated a manhunt to locate the suspects. Three specialized teams were assigned to probe the incident, resulting in the arrest of four individuals by Tuesday. The interrogation of the suspects is presently ongoing.

The Kotturpuram murders follow closely after another alarming incident in Kancheepuram. On March 11, a 30-year-old history sheeter, Vasoolraja, was killed in broad daylight outside a ration shop near the Thirukkali Medu Shiva Temple.

Unidentified attackers threw a homemade bomb at him, which struck his chest before exploding, resulting in his immediate death. His remains were subsequently sent for post-mortem at the Government Kancheepuram Hospital. Investigations disclosed that Vasoolraja had over 20 pending criminal cases, including accusations of attempted murder, robbery, and theft. He had recently regained freedom on bail and was employed as a travel agent.

These recent occurrences have heightened concerns regarding the resurgence of gang-related violence in Chennai.

In light of the murder of Tamil Nadu BSP president and Chennai High Court attorney K. Armstrong on July 5, 2024, the Greater Chennai Police had amplified their efforts against criminal gangs.

Several history-sheeters were eliminated in encounters, leading to a decrease in gang-related violence. However, the recent murders of Vasoolraja and the two Kotturpuram history sheeters indicate that gang wars might be re-emerging.

Law enforcement agencies remain on high alert, and officials have assured the public that stringent measures will be taken to avert further violence. The Chennai police, along with their specialized task forces, are likely to intensify their endeavors to track down those responsible and restore law and order.