Auto driver hacked to death in Madurantakam

Chennai: In a shocking incident, a 38-year-old auto-rickshaw driver was brutally murdered by a five-member gang posing as passengers near Madurantakam in Chengalpet district during the early hours of Thursday.

The victim, identified as Suresh Kumar, was a resident of Paruthikollai village near Uthiramerur in Kancheepuram. According to police, Suresh was waiting for passengers near a bus stand when the group approached him. They had arrived by a government bus from Chennai and requested a ride to Pappanallur village near Madurantakam, claiming their sister lived there.

Initially hesitant to carry all five passengers, Suresh agreed after they offered to pay extra. However, as the auto reached a forested area near Pappanallur, the passengers asked him to stop the vehicle. At this point, they reportedly pulled out sickles and machetes concealed under their clothing and launched a violent attack.

Suresh attempted to escape into the nearby forest, but the gang chased him down and hacked him to death before fleeing the scene. Later, passers-by noticed the auto parked unattended and alerted police after spotting bloodstains nearby.

Police suspect the murder was a premeditated act stemming from previous enmity. Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the assailants.