Man hacked to death over property dispute, five held

A 50-year-old man was hacked to death over a property dispute by a five-member gang in Kolapakkam near Mangadu on Thursday evening. The police have arrested the victim’s nephew and four others in connection with the murder.

The deceased, Palani, of Kolapakkam, earned a living as a driver and had rented out shops built in front of his house

According to Maulivakkam police, the gang approached Palani while he was chatting with some friends near one of the shops, and attacked him with sickles before fleeing the scene.

Palani suffered grievous injuries and died on the spot. On receiving information, the Maulivakkam police went to the scene, recovered the body, and sent it for a post-mortem.

The police arrested Palani’s nephew Balaji and four of his associates — Murali, Vetrimaran, Dhanush, and Pari Venkat.

Further investigation is under way.