The Joseph Vijay TVK government came to power claiming they will ensure Tamil Nadu will be a peaceful haven and maintain an iron grip over law and order issues. But recently, a violent clash involving two groups, multiple knife attacks and a road accident created panic in Chennai’s Old Jail Road area. The incident, in which police arrested three persons, has sent shockwaves across the city, as reported in Malai Murasu.
According to police, 23-year-old Appu and 22-year-old Iman, residents of an urban housing settlement on Old Jail Road, were drinking alcohol on the road near their residence along with 25-year-old Karthik of Park Town on the night of 16 August 2026.
At the time, 24-year-old Ritheesh from Valluvar Nagar was reportedly riding his two-wheeler at high speed through the area. Appu, Iman and Karthik allegedly stopped Ritheesh and questioned him about riding at high speed through a residential area. An argument reportedly broke out, following which the three allegedly assaulted Ritheesh before sending him away.
Later, at around 10 pm, Appu was travelling towards the residential area on his two-wheeler after purchasing food from Mint Junction. Police said Ritheesh allegedly came on his two-wheeler and collided with Appu. Appu’s vehicle was damaged in the incident, while Ritheesh reportedly left the spot.
A short while later, Ritheesh allegedly went with his friends to Govindan, a friend of Appu, and questioned him about why they had assaulted him earlier. This reportedly led to another argument between the two groups.
During the altercation, Vijay, who was allegedly part of Ritheesh’s group, attempted to attack Govindan with a knife, police said.
Following this, Appu, Iman and Karthik allegedly chased Vijay and attacked him with knives.
Police further said that 20-year-old Anand from the Seven Wells area, who happened to be travelling through the locality on a two-wheeler, was also allegedly attacked and cut by members of Appu’s group.
The successive attacks created a tense situation in the area, prompting the Yanai Kavuni police to rush to the spot after receiving information about the violence.
On seeing the police arrive, Appu, Iman, Karthik and others allegedly fled the scene.
Police subsequently rescued the injured Vijay and Anand and admitted them to Stanley Government Hospital for treatment.
The Yanai Kavuni police registered a case and arrested Appu, Iman and Karthik. The three were produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody. Police are continuing their search for the other accused persons who remain absconding.
Meanwhile, video footage purportedly showing a group of men chasing Vijay and attacking him with knives has surfaced on social media and is going viral.
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The sequence of incidents has raised concerns over law and order in the Old Jail Road area.
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