A history-sheeter was allegedly abducted in a car from outside Puzhal Central Prison shortly after being released on bail. The police have arrested four members of a family in connection with the incident.
The victim, Satheesh Kumar (33) of Annai Sathya Nagar near Island Grounds, is a history-sheeter at Pattabiram police station. He runs a horse-riding business on Marina Beach and is also allegedly involved in the sale of ganja and other narcotic substances. He had recently been arrested by the Anna Square police in a case involving ganja and was lodged in Puzhal Central Prison.
History-sheeter brothers Balaji and Vinoth of Triplicane had also been remanded to Puzhal prison in a ganja smuggling case. Police said Satheesh Kumar and the brothers had longstanding disputes over ganja sales, money transactions, and the collection of protection money (mamool). The rivalry reportedly continued even while they were lodged in prison.
Balaji was released on bail earlier, while Satheesh Kumar and Vinoth were released on bail on Friday (July 24, 2026). Balaji, accompanied by his family members, had arrived outside Puzhal prison in a car to pick up his brother.
According to the police, after Satheesh Kumar came out of the prison, the group told him they wanted to speak to him and persuaded him to get into the car. They then drove towards Red Hills.
During the journey, the group allegedly threatened Satheesh Kumar at knifepoint, demanding that he pay them protection money and stop selling ganja in their area. Near Red Hills, Satheesh Kumar managed to escape when the occupants of the car were momentarily distracted. He later lodged a complaint at the Puzhal police station.
Based on the complaint, the Puzhal police registered a case and formed a special team led by Inspector Vasanth Raja. By analysing CCTV footage and mobile phone records, the police traced the suspects to Mamallapuram in Chengalpattu district, where they were hiding.
The police arrested Balaji (33), Vinoth (55), Thenmozhi (55), and Mohana (35), all members of the same family, from Triplicane. During interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed that they abducted Satheesh Kumar over a previous enmity related to ganja sales on Marina Beach and disputes over the collection of protection money.
The four accused were produced before the Madhavaram court and remanded to judicial custody at Puzhal Central Prison.
Published - July 27, 2026 04:36 pm IST