Man crashes car into friend over unpaid loan

Chennai: A man crashed his car into an estranged friend, with whom he had a money dispute, and killed him, at Maduranthakam in Chengalpet district on Tuesday night.Police said Sivaraj, 38, a driver at Chengalpet govt hospital, and the victim, Sarath Babu, a contractor with Tangedco, were close friends. Two years ago, Sivaraj borrowed 4 lakh from Sarath Babu without formal documentation. Despite repeated requests, Sivaraj failed to repay the loan, leading to frequent arguments between the two.On Tuesday night, Sarath Babu was sitting with friends near his house in Mangalam, Maduranthagam, when Sivaraj, under the influence of alcohol, drove his car and rammed the cement block Sarath Babu was sitting on. In the impact, Sarath Babu sustained severe injuries. He was taken to the Chengalpet Govt Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.On information, police rushed to the scene and sent his body for post-mortem examination. Sivaraj was arrested. The car has been confiscated. Further investigations are on.