VELLORE: Rivalry between two red sanders smuggling gangs is said to be the reason for the murder of Saravanan, the nephew and close aide of ‘smuggling queen’ Mohanambal. Having arrested two suspects in the case, police have launched a manhunt for eight more, including notorious rowdy Johny from Katpadi. Three special teams were formed on Thursday to nab them, a day after the murder of Saravanan.
Asokan (27) from Salavanpet and a 15-year-old boy from old town area were arrested the same day.
Based on their statement, police registered a case against eight persons, including Johny alias John Paul Raj (30) from SSK Maniyam, Chandran (28) of Kosapet and Sathish Kumar and Maari from Old Town.
Along with them, four locals – Raguvaran, Kumar, Mani and his brother – were also named in the FIR for assisting Johny in kidnap ping Saravanan.
Police said after kidnapping Saravanan, the gang called his wife Devibala and allegedly demanded `3 crore for his release. The gang detained him in a house and tortured him for two days. After police traced their location, the gang slit his throat and fled from the spot, the police added.
A senior police officer said the murder was a fallout of rivalry between the gangs headed by Saravanan and Johny over the sharing of money.
“Johny also may have been part of the red sanders smuggling mafia. However, it was not clear whether they were involved in red sanders smuggling recently,” said an officer.
In June 2014, police seized `4 crore in cash, 70 sovereigns of jewellery and red sanders logs from the house of Mohanambal in Katpadi. She was assisted by both her sister Nirmala and her son Saravanan.
Mohanambal and Nirmala were later booked for stocking unaccounted cash.
The duo surrendered before the court and got out on bail later. The trio has been staying at Vasanthapuram in Katpadi since then. Police are also inquiring with Mohanambal and Nirmala.