Coimbatore: Police have launched a search for a four-member gang that was involved in the recent assault and murder of a 29-year-old youth in a group clash near Selvapuram here.
Police identified the victim as Manikandan, a daily wage labourer, a resident of Selvapuram - north housing unit. A few days ago, 25-year-old Suresh from the same area, was assaulted by a group.
Manikandan along with Suresh's brother Ramesh, went to enquire about it. On the way, a group of four persons on two bikes blocked their way.
On seeing them, Suresh left his bike and fled, and the gang brutally attacked Manikandan, leaving him seriously injured.
Hearing his cries, locals gathered at the spot and the gang fled. Locals rushed him to the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) where Manikandan was admitted to the ICU, but died on Thursday night.
On receiving the information, Selvapuram police lodged a murder complaint. Preliminary investigations reveal that Bala Raman, Bharath Vaj, Dinakaran and Sedhu Raman from the same area had attacked Manikandan due to a long-standing enmity. Police have launched a search for them.
Meanwhile, in another development, a 37-year-old man, Subramaniam, from the same area lodged a police complaint alleging that Manikandan and his friends Ramesh, Thongu Raja alias Kanaga Raj and Babu, allegedly attacked him a few days ago. Kanaga Raj also lodged a police complaint against Thirumeni, Jeeva, Bada Sayed and Verghese belonging to the opposing group.
Police picked up eight members from both gangs. Further investigations are on.
