Tamil Nadu: Chased by gang, rowdy runs into DGP office; suspected chaser arrested with sickle

CHENNAI: The DGP office premises turned into the scene of a dramatic gang rivalry early on Thursday when a history-sheeter, chased by an armed gang, rushed into the high-security compound seeking protection from the police.The incident occurred around 2.30am when Sathyamurthy alias Appu, 24, a Ccategory rowdy from Otteri, was riding towards Marina Beach with eight of his associates on Christmas Eve. The group left Otteri on five motorcycles and was travelling along Dr Radhakrishnan Salai.While crossing the Yellow Pages area, Sathyamurthy, who was riding alone, lost sight of his friends and soon noticed two motorcycles trailing him. Alarmed, he sped up and headed towards Marina Beach, but as the riders closed in near City Centre, he panicked and attempted to seek refuge at the Marina Police Station near the Lighthouse.As the pursuing gang came close, Sathyamurthy abruptly swerved his bike into the DGP office near the Mylapore fire station and ran to the guards, informing them that he was being chased by armed assailants.The personnel alerted the city police control room, following which a patrol team from the Marina police station arrived at the spot. Sathyamurthy was handed over to the Marina police, who frisked him and seized his motorcycle and a knife found in his possession. The team that chased him sped away. Based on this, the Marina police registered a case under the Arms Act against Sathyamurthy. He was arrested, produced before a magistrate court, and remanded in judicial custody.Meanwhile, police intensified vehicle checks across the city after alerts were issued about a possible gang clash. During this operation, an Otteri police team apprehended Imran, one of the suspected attackers, while he was carrying a sickle. During questioning, Imran told police that he was part of the gang that trailed Sathyamurthy near Marina Beach.Investigations revealed that Sathyamurthy was an accused in the murder of Athiullah reported in Otteri in 2023.Police said Imran and the other gang members were close associates of Athiullah and monitored Sathyamurthy’s movements to avenge the killing. When he got separated from his group while heading to Marina Beach, the gang seized the opportunity and attempted to attack him.Police have launched a hunt for the remaining members of the gang involved in the chase and are continuing investigations.