Trio held for murder of medical shop owner over old feud

Chennai: A day after a 44-year-old medical shop owner was murdered near Vandalur, police on Saturday night arrested a three member gang .
Investigations revealed that a history sheeter, against whom the victim lodged a police complaint two years ago, orchestrated the murder from prison.
The deceased Vinoth Kumar, a native of Tuticorin, was hacked to death by a gang after he lodged a complaint against Silambarasan, a history sheeter, for demanding mamool in 2021.
Soon after his murder on Friday, the members of the traders’ association in Chengalpet held a road roko demanding immediate action against the assailants.
Investigations revealed that two years ago, Silambarasan, who is currently lodged in the Cuddalore prison under the stringent Goondas Act, had demanded a weekly bribe – protection money - from Vinoth Kumar. Since he refused to pay, Silambarasan assaulted him.
Vinoth Kumar had recorded the attack on his mobile phone and informed police about the incident. A case was registered, Silambarasan was arrested and lodged in prison.
Since then Vinoth Kumar had been receiving threats from several people to withdraw the case against Silambarasan.
Investigations revealed that since Vinoth Kumar refused to withdraw the complaint Silambarasan hatched the murder plan from inside the prison. He took the help of M Sarath, his friend to execute the plan.
Accordingly, Sarath, 31, of Pulianthope, E Manikandan, 23 of Thiruverkadu, and R Surya, 23 of Sengampoondi tracked Vinoth Kumar's movement for two days. The gang then hacked him to death.
The city police are trying to find out if there are more accused involved in the case.
Vinoth Kumar is survived by wife and two children.