Chennai: An armed eight-member gang stormed a house in Tirusulam, opposite Chennai International Airport, and hacked two youths to death in the early hours of Monday.Police identified the victims as Arumugam, 20, and Sathish, 18, from Mudichur. The victims were sleeping in the rented house when the attackers broke in. Police said around 12 people may have been involved in the murders. So far, eight suspects have been arrested, while four might be absconding.The gang arrived on three motorcycles and an autorickshaw and broke the door open. Armed with machetes and sickles, they repeatedly attacked the two victims. Arumugam’s face was disfigured beyond recognition. Hearing the victims’ screams, nearby residents rushed to the spot. However, the attackers threatened the public by brandishing weapons, forcing them to retreat. The gang then fled the scene.The incident caused panic in the busy residential locality near the airport, where workers, drivers and residents are usually seen moving around even during late night and early morning hours.Policemen from Pallavaram rushed to the scene after being alerted by the public. The bodies were recovered and sent to the Tambaram GH for postmortem. Police are also questioning Mani, the owner of the house where the victims were staying, and reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding areas.Police sources said Arumugam had a long criminal history with around 30 cases, including the murder of a political functionary in Sunguvarchatram last year. He reportedly had previous enmity with another history-sheeter Deepak. Arumugam had received death threats after he and his associates attacked Deepak.Special police teams have been formed to trace the remaining suspects. The exact motive is still under probe.
