Chennai: An ex-convict, who tried to extort money from a preacher at Chengalpet in neighbouring Kancheepuram district, was stoned to death by the church head and his relatives in broad daylight on Sunday.
The deceased was identified as Ashirvadam of Thirumani in Chengalpet. According to the police Ashirvadam, in a drunken condition, went on Sunday morning to the house of preacher Immanuel Prakash , who manages a small prayer hall by the side of his residence.
Ashirvadam allegedly went inside the prayer hall with a knife and started threatening the preacher, demanding money. He demanded mamool daily at knifepoint in front of devotees, who suggested that he get out of the prayer hall. Paying no heed, he continued to threaten the preacher. He said that if Immanuel Prakash failed to give him money daily he would be forced to use the knife.
When Ashirvadam refused to listen to the request of the devotees to get out, some of them tried to overpower him. He then pointed knife at them. Swinging knife at them in a threatening manner, he came out of the prayer hall.
While devotees were shocked over the incident, Immanuel Prakash, his son, brother and two others surrounded Ashirvadam and attacked him by pelting big stones at him as he continued his stabbing actions with knife. He collapsed after he was hit on his head and chest.
A big stone crushed Ashirvadam’s head amd and he had died on the spot. Chengalpet police team rushed to the spot and shifted the body to GH for autopsy.
Police registered a case of murder and interrogated the preacher. “We have booked five persons including the preacher, his son and brother for murder,” said Chengalpet police on Sunday evening. Police said Ashirvadam has at least 10 cases, including murder, pending against him.
