A brutal machete attack on a food delivery worker in Velachery was narrowly prevented from turning fatal after alert residents pelted stones at the assailants, forcing them to flee. The incident, captured on CCTV and widely shared on social media, has triggered public outrage over rising street violence.
The attack occurred around 7.30 pm on A.L. Mudali Street in Nehru Nagar, Velachery, when four youths on two-wheelers waylaid Parthiban, 23, a resident of Lakshmi Nagar. The gang repeatedly hacked him with machetes, leaving him bleeding profusely on the road.
Hearing his cries, local residents rushed out and hurled stones and sticks at the attackers. Startled by the public response, the assailants abandoned the attack and escaped. Police sources said the timely intervention saved the victim’s life.
Parthiban, who works for a food delivery company, was rushed to the Government Royapettah Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment for serious injuries.
Based on CCTV footage, Velachery police arrested three youths identified as Nanda, 24, Sundar, 22, and Vishnu, 21, all residents of the area. Two more suspects are absconding, and a search is under way.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the assault was an act of revenge linked to a previous dispute during Diwali, allegedly carried out under the influence of alcohol and narcotics. A case has been registered, and further investigation is in progress.
The daylight violence in a busy residential neighbourhood has sent shockwaves through the city, renewing concerns over public safety and drug-fuelled crimes among youths.
