Kakka Thoppu Balaji, a notorious gangster from Chennai, was recently shot dead in an encounter near Vyasarpadi. Let’s take a look at how he rose to infamy in North Chennai and how the encounter unfolded.
Early Life:
Unlike most students, who dream of becoming doctors or engineers, Balaji declared from a young age that he wanted to become a rowdy, inspired by his relative, Durai, who was already involved in criminal activities. Even during his school days, Balaji got involved in street fights and petty crimes, which led to his first arrests.
Criminal History:
Balaji’s criminal record quickly escalated. He faced charges in six murder cases, 17 attempted murders, and 59 cases in total, including a drug-related charge for dealing ganja (cannabis). His frequent trips to jail only strengthened his ties with other local gangsters, especially Inbaraj and Yuvaraj, who operated in North Chennai. The three of them together killed Pushpa, the brother of rival gangster Thamu from Moolakothalam.
However, a fallout between the trio resulted in Balaji killing Yuvaraj and establishing himself as a feared gangster known as Kakka Thoppu Balaji. From there, he began to consolidate his control over North Chennai, eliminating those who stood in his way.
Rise to Power:
Balaji expanded his influence in North Chennai and even entered the lucrative red sanders smuggling business. His rise to power was swift, and soon he became one of the dominant gang leaders in the region. As police intensified their crackdown on organized crime, Balaji went into hiding.
Near-Death Experience:
In March 2020, Balaji narrowly escaped death when his rival, Sambo Senthil, hurled a country-made bomb at his car near Anna Salai in Chennai. Although Balaji survived, it further escalated tensions between the rival gangs.
The Encounter:
Recently, Balaji was spotted in the Kodungaiyur Mullai Nagar area during a routine vehicle check by the police. Upon realizing that Kakka Thoppu Balaji was in the vehicle, an encounter ensued. Balaji attempted to resist arrest, leading to a violent confrontation, during which he was shot dead by the police. His death marked the end of one of North Chennai’s most notorious gangsters.
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