After a lull in incidents related to gang rivalry, the town on Wednesday night witnessed murder of three anti-social elements at Mettupalayam. Another persons sustained injuries.
Police have identified the deceased as ‘Nai’ Sekhar, Sathish, and Gerald, all residents of Mettupalayam. Their accomplice Rengaraj survived the assault and is being treated at the Government Medical College for minor bruises.
According to the police, the deceased, along with their accomplice, were drinking in a room near the cremation ground at Mettupalayam when a group attacked them with country bombs and weapons.
The police quoting, Rengaraj, said the attackers first threw bombs and then assaulted them with weapons causing deep cuts on their forehead.
Senior Superintendent of Police V.J Chandran told The Hindu that the attackers had been identified based on information provided by Rengaraj.
‘Nai’ Sekhar and Sathish were involved in two murder cases and had been trying to establish control over Mettuplayam, an industrial area where gangs thrive on scrap business and extortion.
According to Mr. Chandran, ‘Nai’ Sekhar and his men, attacked a key member of another gang a year ago. Mr. Chandran said the fatal attack was the result of the rivalry with the gang.
The Mettupalayam police have registered a case and special teams are on the job to arrest the accused. “The accused persons will be arrested soon,” he said.
According to police sources, the industrial areas have become ideal places for anti-social elements. They run extortion rackets with the connivance of local-level political leaders, sources added.
