'Rowdy' done to death

Raja alias Michael Raja (43), a small time financier and casual labourer in City Market (Mandi) and a resident of NR Nagar in Audugodi was killed on the small bridge across the drain in Neelsandra. Around 8.30 am, Raja left home and was on his way to work. As he approached the drain lane, five men armed with lethal weapons pounced on him and attacked him. Having sustained multiple injuries, Raja collapsed and died on the spot.

Eye witness told Deccan Herald, “It looks like the gang knew the victim’s movements and had done their homework well. They all came by walk and in minutes, they completed the job and ran away in different directions. All were carrying daggers and sharp metal objects,  and were in their late twenties. They didn't make a noise and once they got confirmed that the person was died, they left the place.”

Raja was always spotted with his younger brother Kannan. In July, Kannan allegedly eliminated Lokesh and isin jail. Raja was accused in the same case. There are two cases against Raja - at Audugodi and SJ Park police stations.

In early May, Lokesh allegedly killed Praveen. Police said Praveen was eying Lokesh's sister and after several warnings, Lokesh who is the brother of another rowdy George, reportedly murdered him.

The police suspect several links to the earlier murders in the area.