CHENNAI: An MTC bus driver died after he was assaulted during a clash that broke out amid a Vinayagar Chaturthi procession in Ramapuram in the wee hours on Tuesday. Ramapuram police arrested five people in connection with the murder.The procession, organised by Arulmigu Raja Ganapathi Temple in Venkateswara Nagar, began around 11pm. When the procession reached 13th Street, some residents sought to have the Vinayagar chariot taken through their street, while another group opposed the request.Police personnel deployed for the procession intervened and dispersed the two groups after talks. However, around midnight, a group led by Bhuvanesh went to the house of a resident, Anees, on 2nd Main Road and called him outside, following which an altercation broke out.During the confrontation, Anand is said to have assaulted Srinivasan, an MTC bus driver, by striking him on the chest from behind. Srinivasan collapsed and lost consciousness.Passers-by took him on a two-wheeler to a nearby private hospital, where he received first aid. He was then referred to the ESI Hospital in K K Nagar for further treatment. However, doctors declared him dead.Ramapuram police registered a case and arrested five people from the two groups in connection with the incident.
