Chennai: A 25-year-old history-sheeter was hacked to death in broad daylight by a six-member gang at a petrol station on the Chengalpet bypass on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, shortly after he appeared before a court in connection with a murder case.
The deceased was identified as Muthu Veera, a resident of Rajiv Gandhi Street in Urapakkam. According to police, he had several criminal cases against him, including a murder case, and was currently out on bail.
Attacked While Returning From Court
Muthu Veera had appeared before a court in Chengalpet on Tuesday in connection with the murder case. After the court proceedings, he left for home on a motorcycle along with two friends.
The group reportedly stopped at a petrol station on the Chengalpet bypass after their motorcycle ran out of fuel.
At that point, six men allegedly arrived on two motorcycles and surrounded Muthu Veera.
The attackers reportedly chased away his two companions before repeatedly assaulting him with sickles.
The attack happened in full public view, leaving petrol station employees and customers in panic.
Four employees and a customer reportedly fled the area after witnessing the attack.
Victim Dies at the Spot
Muthu Veera suffered multiple cut injuries during the assault and died at the scene.
The attackers reportedly fled from the petrol station on their motorcycles immediately after the killing.
Police subsequently sent the body to Chengalpattu Government Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Chengalpet Taluk police have registered a murder case and launched an investigation.
CCTV Footage Being Examined
Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the petrol station and surrounding areas in an effort to identify the attackers.
Police are also attempting to trace the registration numbers of the motorcycles used by the suspects.
At this stage, no arrests have been reported.
Previous Enmity Suspected
Police suspect that the killing may have been connected to previous enmity.
Given the victim’s criminal background and the manner in which the attack was carried out, investigators are examining whether a rival gang may have targeted him in retaliation for an earlier incident.
The police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify all those involved.
The incident has raised concerns because the attack took place at a public petrol station, with several employees and customers present.
Further investigation is underway.