A 24-year-old man was hacked to death near his house in Kodambakkam on Sunday night. The police suspect rivalry over a love affair.
According to the police, Prabhu alias Prabhakaran (24), a resident of Eighth Street, Kamarajapuram Colony, Kodambakkam, worked for a fancy store in the same locality. After work, he usually spent time with his friends Vignesh alias Vicky and Raju.
A few months ago, he befriended 24-year-old Siva but their relationship soured when both of them began to develop feelings for the same girl.
“Both of them tried various methods to attract her attention and this resulted in constant fights between the duo,” said a police officer.
On Sunday night, Prabhu and Vicky were eating food packed from their favourite hangout in Kamarajapuram Colony First Street when the attack took place.
“I was just about to join Prabhu and Vicky after parking my bike nearby when all of a sudden Prabhu yelled my name. The next minute, I heard them both screaming,” said Raju, who is the main witness to the crime.
When Raju rushed to his friends, he found them lying with cut injuries on their necks and faces. “Siva and another person who came on a bike attacked Prabhu with some sharp weapon. When Vicky tried to intervene, he too sustained injures. They fled after the attack,” said Raju.
The streets in the colony are usually bustling with people. “It being a Sunday, many were away visiting family and friends, probably why the attack could not be prevented,” said a resident of the locality.
The police have registered a case and are on the lookout for the suspects. “We have formed three teams to nab the suspects,” said D. Gowthaman, Kodambakkam inspector.
