Hunt on for prime suspects

Four special teams have launched a manhunt for seven prime suspects in the double murder that took place in Mylapore on Thursday night.

Timely intervention of a police team, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police R. Isac Paulraj Boopathy, averted further attack or damage by the gang that committed the two murders, police sources said.

A posse of police personnel, including five sections of the Tamil Nadu Special Police, was deployed in the Ice House area in connection with a religious procession on Thursday night. Minutes after the murder of Billa Suresh, police received information about the incident and rushed to Ekambaram PIllai Street, where the accused persons had gone next.

“On seeing the police, the assailants, who came out of Viji's house, took to their heels. We chased and managed to apprehend some suspects. We shifted Viji to hospital,” Mr. Boopathy said.

It was a simmering rivalry between two groups that led to the murders. “They arrived at a compromise a month ago in the presence of an advocate. Billa Suresh and Viji were part of one group, while the accused persons (in the double murder) were part of the rival group, which was supported by Nirmal. Suresh and Viji were lured into a trap…they were made to believe that a negotiated settlement had been arrived at,” the ACP said.

On Saturday, the family members of Viji came to the police and demanded the arrest of all the accused in the case. Commissioner of Police T. Rajendran met senior officers and reviewed the progress made in the investigation. “We have specific clues on the movement of others involved in the case. The teams will be able to nab them soon,” a police official added.