A cable television distribution sub-agent from Kannagi Nagar in Thoraipakkam, R. Anbu (50) was hacked to death by a gang near his house on Saturday.
Police suspect that the murder was committed by the victim’s relatives as a result of business rivalry. One woman Saroja (42) and Selvam (24) were arrested on Sunday in this connection. The rest of the accused were said to be absconding.
Anbu and his son Rajesh (22) were involved in providing and maintaining cable TV connections for the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board (TNSCB) tenements there.
The father and son acted as sub-agents of two multisystem operators based in Okkiyampet nearby.
“The problem began after the victim’s relatives Selvam and his brother Satish alias Duma Satish (22), also residents of Kannagi Nagar, turned cable TV sub-agents and started canvassing at homes of over 460 new families who were relocated here recently from the city,” K. G. Narasimhavarman, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Adyar, told The Hindu.
A few residents from the tenements said that minor clashes often broke out between Anbu and Selvam after the cable wires and junction boxes fixed by Anbu were found damaged. “Selvam and his group who were new to the cable TV trade had warned Anbu and his son to do business only with the existing cable connections and leave the new ones to them. But Anbu wanted to monopolise the business here,” said a resident who did not wish to be named.
Around 8.15 p.m. on Saturday, Anbu was attacked by an eight-member gang with knives outside the new fish market complex in Kannagi Nagar.
He received severe cuts on his head and body and died on the spot, Mr.Narasimhavarman added.
Search on for other accused
The Thoraipakkam police registered a case of murder and are on the lookout for Satish and their stepfather Saravanan (55) and four others. Selvam and his mother Saroja were arrested on Sunday. Anbu’s funeral took place on Sunday evening with heavy police presence.
