'Runaway Car, A Chase & Ganja Recovery': Chennai Police Release Details On Kakka Thoppu Balaji 'Encounter'

Kakka Thoppu Balaji Encounter: Chennai North Zone JCP Pravesh Kumar stated that when officers intercepted a car with two individuals driver sped away with vehicle.

Chennai news: In a recent encounter at Vyasarpadi, Chennai, notorious history-sheeter Balaji, also known as Kakka Thoppu Balaji, was shot and killed by the police on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred when officers from the Chennai North Zone intercepted a car suspected of carrying 'ganja'. According to Chennai North Zone Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Pravesh Kumar, when officers stopped the car with two individuals, the driver fled with the vehicle while the other person got out. During the confrontation, the suspect was shot by the police. Later, approximately 10 kilograms of ganja were recovered from the vehicle.

Pravesh Kumar commented, "The officers intercepted a car with two people. They had a big bag and were hesitant to reveal its contents. As soon as one exited the car, the driver sped away. The in-charge officer alerted the control room, and a chase ensued."

"The suspect was shot by the police and was taken to the hospital, but he was declared dead... The suspect was a history-sheeter rowdy named Kakkathoppu Balaji, with around 58 cases against him, including six murder charges and 17 attempted murder charges," he said.

 

The body of Balaji was sent to Stanley Hospital, according to police officials. Kakka Thoppu Balaji was notorious for his involvement in over 50 criminal cases, including murder. He had previously been the target of a gang attack by Sambo Senthil, a known criminal wanted for the murder of BSP state president K. Armstrong, in a violent confrontation that took place on Anna Salai in Chennai in March 2020. Though bombs were hurled at Balaji and another gangster, CD Mani, they escaped unhurt.

This incident marks the second encounter death involving the Greater Chennai Police in recent weeks. Previously, K. Thiruvengadam, the prime suspect in the murder of Tamil Nadu BSP president K. Armstrong, was killed by police on July 14 near Madhavaram Lake. Police claimed Thiruvengadam tried to attack them during an evidence collection procedure, which led to his shooting.