History-Sheeter Wanted in Over 40 Cases, Gangster Kakkathope Killed in Police Encounter in Chennai

Chennai: Kakkathope Balaji, a history-sheeter with over 40 criminal cases, was killed in a police encounter near the Vyasarpadi Jeeva railway station in Chennai.

The 40-year-old gangster, Balaji, alias 'Kakkathope,' was wanted by both criminals and the police for several serious offenses, including extortion and murder.

Inspector Buhari led a police team to track Balaji down to the B&C Quarters early on Wednesday.

When officers attempted to confront him, Balaji attacked the team, injuring one officer. The police retaliated by opening fire on Balaji.

He was rushed to Government Stanley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

As per reports, Balaji was involved in the murders of James and Kamaraj near Ennore.

Reportedly, Balaji had close ties with notorious criminal CD Mani and maintained contacts with other rowdies in the region. In March 2020, henchmen of Sambavam Senthil attempted to assassinate Balaji and CD Mani by throwing country-made bombs at their SUV near Kamarajar Arangam in Teynampet, but both narrowly escaped the attack. Balaji was a native of Kakkathope near Mannadi.