Chennai news: A history-sheeter, Balaji, also known as Kakka Thoppu Balaji, was fatally shot by the police in an encounter early on Wednesday morning at Vyasarpadi, Chennai. His body was transported to Stanley Hospital for further procedures.
On Tuesday, police received intelligence that Balaji was hiding in the Pulianthope area. A police team led by inspector Buhari rushed to the spot and they narrowed down Balaji at B&C quarters.
When officers attempted to apprehend him, he allegedly attacked the police in an effort to flee. During the ensuing confrontation, Balaji was shot and died at the scene.
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Chennai police officials reported that Balaji had been a notorious figure in the criminal underworld, with more than 50 cases pending against him. These cases included serious charges such as murder and kidnapping. Balaji was also reportedly named as a suspect in the murder of PWD contractor Kamaraj, who is also the son of DMK functionary, near Ennore.
The 36-year-old was the son of Ramalingam and hailed from BRN Garden in Valluvar Nagar, Broadway, Chennai. Over the years, Balaji had been arrested and imprisoned multiple times, and the stringent Goondas Act had been invoked against him. He was also named as a key suspect in a petrol bomb blast incident in Chennai.
This incident marks the second encounter under the tenure of A Arun, the Greater Chennai Police Commissioner. The first encounter took place in connection with the murder case of BSP state president Armstrong, where the accused was also shot dead.