Man urinates on woman; locals beat him up in defense (Image used for representational purpose only)

CHENNAI: A mob beat up a van driver to death after he urinated on a woman from inside an auto on Prakasam Salai, Broadway, in the early hours of Wednesday. While police are yet to identify or arrest the killers, the victim’s family refused to accept the body until the culprits are arrested. Police said Kalaiselvan, 30, of Triplicane, worked as a load van driver. On Wednesday, he and his friend Balaji were travelling in an auto. While nearing Prakasam Salai, a drunk Kalaiselvan urinated from the auto and soiled the clothes of a woman pedestrian who was passing by. The woman complained about the incident, and Kalaiselvan and Balaji got into an argument with her. People nearby came to the woman’s defence, attacked Kalaiselvan and Balaji, during which the former fell down unconscious. Balaji also suffered serious injuries. On information, Kalaiselvan’s brother Kalaivanan rushed to the spot and took him to govt Stanley hospital. But he was declared dead on arrival. Stating that the incident happened near a police station, Kalaivanan accused police of negligence. “They did not even call an ambulance. Those who attacked and killed my brother must be arrested immediately,” he said.Police are holding reconciliation talks with the family. Esplanade police registered a case and are examining surveillance camera footage from the area to identify the attackers, who fled the scene.