Naval air station worker hacked to death over relationship feud

Four persons were arrested by Arakkonam Town police on Thursday for killing a contract worker of Indian naval air station, INS Rajali, over previous enmity.

Police said the arrested persons were identified as V. Arun (26), B. Deva (22), S. Dheena (26) and K. Satish (21). They are childhood friends and reside in Arakkonam. Initial inquiry revealed that victim S. Gautam (25) was working as a contract worker with INS Rajali in the town for the past few months. Gautam and Arun were known to each other for many years.

Police said a few months ago, victim Gautam got befriended a woman relative of Arun, who objected to it. Arun insisted Gautam to stay away from his relative as she will be getting married soon. However, Gautam ignored the warning.

Along with his friends, Arun took Gautam near the railway level crossing to consume alcohol where the gang allegedly hacked Gautam to death. They dumped the body in an unused pond near the town.

Farmers, who were on their way to farmland, noticed a body in the pond and alerted local police. Special teams analysed CCTV footage on the route and mobile phone details of the victim. Police arrested the suspects from their hideout in the town and a case was registered. They were lodged at Central Prison in Vellore. Further probe is underway.

Published - June 19, 2025 06:40 pm IST