Chennai: A 30-year-old van driver died after he was allegedly beaten by a group of people following an argument with a woman in Chennai in the early hours of Wednesday, police said. The incident took place on Prakasam Salai near Broadway. The victim has been identified as Kalaiselvan, a resident of Triplicane who worked as a load van driver.
According to police, Kalaiselvan was travelling in an auto with his friend Balaji when the incident occurred. Officials said Kalaiselvan, who was reportedly drunk, urinated from the moving auto as they were passing through Prakasam Salai. The urine allegedly fell on a woman who was walking along the road at that time.
The woman objected to the act and confronted the men. An argument broke out between them, drawing the attention of people nearby. Some members of the public gathered at the spot and came to the woman’s support. During the confrontation, a group allegedly attacked Kalaiselvan and his friend.
Police said Kalaiselvan collapsed during the assault and lost consciousness. Balaji also suffered injuries in the attack.
After receiving information about the incident, Kalaiselvan’s brother, Kalaivanan, rushed to the spot and took him to the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital for treatment. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The victim’s family has refused to accept the body and demanded immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack.
Kalaivanan also alleged police negligence, claiming that the incident happened close to a police station but no immediate help was provided. “They did not even call an ambulance. Those who attacked and killed my brother must be arrested immediately,” he said.
Police from Esplanade Police Station have registered a case and started an investigation. Officers are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area to identify the people involved in the assault. So far, no arrests have been made.
