Kakka Thoppu Balaji, a notorious history-sheeter, was shot dead in a police encounter in the Vyasarpadi area of Chennai on Tuesday, police confirmed.
The incident occurred around 4:30 am during a routine vehicle check at the Mullai Nagar Checkpost. Police spotted a vehicle carrying two individuals and a suspicious bag. The occupants were hesitant to exit the car when asked by the police. Upon further insistence, one of the suspects stepped out with the bag, while Balaji, who was still in the car, attempted to flee the scene.
Police immediately gave chase, and the vehicle stalled near the BSNL quarters. According to the police, Balaji fired two rounds at the pursuing officers, prompting them to retaliate. A single shot fired by the police hit Balaji in the chest.
Balaji was rushed to Stanley Hospital, where he was declared dead. His body was later transferred to Royapettah Government Hospital for further procedures.
The police recovered a sickle and approximately 10 kilograms of ganja from the bag in the vehicle. The other suspect, identified as Sathyamoorthy, has been taken into custody and is currently being interrogated.
Senior officials, including North Chennai JC Pravesh Kumar, Pulianthope DC Muthukumar, and a forensic team, inspected the encounter site. A formal investigation is underway, and a report will be submitted to the Magistrate as per standard procedures.
Relatives of Balaji have condemned the incident, alleging that it was a case of murder by the police. However, police records indicate that Balaji had 58 pending cases against him, including six murder cases, 17 attempted murder cases, and one drug (ganja) dealing case.
This encounter is the second in Chennai following the recent case involving the murder of BSP leader Armstrong. In that incident, another history-sheeter, Thiruvengadam, was also shot dead by the police. Further updates on the ongoing investigation are awaited.
