VILLUPURAM: A prank SMS sent by a 15-year-old girl from her neighbour’s mobile to a relative ended in a group clash, leaving seven persons injured, near Vanur on Sunday. Police filed a case against 14 people and arrested 11 in connection.
According to sources, Rajaveni (40), a resident of Keezhputhupattu, was a widow living alone. Her neighbour, a 15-year-old girl, used to visit her frequently.
On Saturday morning, while Rajaveni was busy, the girl sent ‘I love you’ as a prank to her relative Gopinath (20), of Munniyanpettai, from Rajaveni’s mobile phone, without her knowledge.
After a while, Gopinath called the number. Though Rajaveni told him that she did not send any message, Gopinath allegedly talked to her in a vulgar language. After she cut the call, Gopinath continued to call her. At one point, she yelled at him, and he too retaliated. Rajaveni then informed her relative Ayyappan (18), who warned Gopinath.
The ‘warning’ turned into an argument and Ayyappan, along with four friends, went to Munniyanpettai. A Kangaroo Court brokered peace and promised to reprimand Gopinath.
Feeling insulted, Gopinath chased the other group with five of his friends. A fight broke out between them near Keezhputhupattu. Gopinath and attacked Ayyappan with logs and stones. He suffered grievous injuries and was rushed to Pondicherry Institute of Medical Science.
When the news spread in Keezhputhupattu, 10 people went to Munniyanpettai to attack Gopinath and supporters. However, the villagers came to his aid and assaulted the other group.
On information, the Kottakuppam police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Police personnel were deployed in both the villages to prevent any untoward incident.