The Chennai police arrested a lawyer and a final-year law student late on Saturday night, February 22, for causing the death of a 59-year-old man with mental disability. The accused have been identified as Manikandan (33) and Vinoth (28). The incident, which resulted in the death of the victim, Ranganathan, occurred near the Tambaram bus stand after he reportedly banged on their new car.
According to the police, Ranganathan, a resident of Ayanavaram, had been undergoing treatment for the past three years. On Saturday night, passersby alerted the authorities after noticing him walking dangerously in traffic near the bus stand. A patrol team arrived at the scene around 9 pm, moved him to safety, and contacted his family. The police later discovered that Ranganathan had been missing since February 19, and his family had been searching for him.
While officers were waiting with Ranganathan, a car carrying Manikandan and Vinoth stopped nearby. The duo, who were en route to a family function in Tindivanam, had parked their vehicle to purchase water bottles.
Police said that Ranganathan suddenly ran towards their new car and banged on the door. Infuriated, Manikandan and Vinoth stepped out and began assaulting him. Despite police intervention, Vinoth allegedly pushed Ranganathan to the ground, causing his head to hit against a cement slab. He sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Chromepet Government Hospital, where he was declared dead. His body has been sent for a postmortem examination.
Following the incident, police arrested Manikandan and Vinoth.