Tiruvottiyur murder: Four arrested after man sought protection
A 26-year-old man was hacked to death in Chennai’s Tiruvottiyur area, a day after he reportedly approached the police seeking protection for himself and his family, prompting the Greater Chennai Police to announce the arrest of four people in connection with the case on September 10.
The deceased was identified as Pradeep Raj, a resident of West Mada Street in Tiruvottiyur. According to the report, he was chased and attacked by an unidentified group in the area. The incident was registered at Tiruvottiyur Police Station.
Greater Chennai Police said on X that four people, including a history-sheeter, had been arrested in connection with the murder case. The police post did not provide further details about the identities of those arrested or the alleged motive.
Raj had reportedly filed a complaint at Tiruvottiyur police station one day before his death, alleging a threat to his life and seeking protection for his family. He had also submitted complaints at the Chennai Commissioner’s Office, the Deputy Commissioner’s office and the Superintendent of Police’s office, according to the report.
In a video statement to the media before the attack, Raj alleged that his family had been involved in a financial dispute after his mother took a loan for another person. He claimed that a counter-complaint had subsequently been filed against him, leading to his arrest after the family approached authorities.
Raj also made allegations against the Tiruvottiyur police inspector, claiming that the officer had threatened him and supported the other party involved in the dispute. He further alleged that he was assaulted after bringing a lawyer and had been told to approach the chief minister if he wanted to pursue his complaint. These allegations have not been independently established in the material available for this report.
The reported dispute was said to involve the Navaneetham family and financial dealings. The police have not publicly disclosed the evidence collected so far, the specific charges against the arrested persons or whether any departmental inquiry has been initiated into Raj’s allegations against the inspector.
The killing also triggered political reactions, with opposition leaders questioning the state government over reported murders and robberies in Chennai. Their statements followed the police announcement of the arrests and focused on the victim’s reported request for protection before his death.
The investigation remains with Tiruvottiyur Police Station. Further official details are expected on the arrests, the alleged motive and the status of the complaints made by Raj before the murder.
