Chennai, 21 October (H.S.) : A minor argument over bursting Diwali firecrackers tragically escalated into a brutal murder in Semmedu Annanagar near Panruti, Cuddalore district, over the weekend.

A 26-year-old man identified as Partheepan was killed after being violently attacked with a sickle by two neighbours following a confrontation about their bursting crackers disturbing domestic animals.

The incident occurred on October 19 when two residents, Velu (24) and Rama (30), were setting off crackers in front of their home. According to police reports, some of the firecrackers hit goats tied outside the house of their neighbour, Suriyamoorthy, causing the startled animals to scatter. When Suriyamoorthy confronted the duo about the disturbance, his son Partheepan intervened and questioned them for bursting crackers in the area.

The argument quickly turned violent, and Velu and Rama allegedly attacked Partheepan with a sickle, inflicting severe head injuries. Partheepan was immediately rushed to Panruti Government Hospital and later transferred to Cuddalore Government Hospital, where he tragically died on Sunday morning.

The Kadampuliyur police have registered a case of murder and swiftly launched an investigation into the incident. The investigation team, led by Inspector Nandakumar, was able to trace the primary accused, Velu, near the Semmedu bridge. When officers attempted to apprehend him, Velu reportedly tried to evade arrest by jumping off the bridge, resulting in a fracture to his right leg.

He was subsequently rescued and admitted to Cuddalore Government Hospital for treatment. The second accused, Rama, was arrested shortly thereafter and has since been remanded in judicial custody.

Police sources also confirmed that the accused Velu had a prior criminal history, having previously been arrested in a ganja case and was out on bail at the time of the fatal incident.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary