This is the second encounter that has been carried out in Chennai in a week and the third since the murder of the accused in BSP leader Armstrong's murder.

In a dramatic turn of events, a prime suspect in the murder of former Tamil Nadu BSP chief, K Armstrong, was shot dead by the Chennai police early this morning. The suspect, known as ‘Seizing’ Raja, had been apprehended in Andhra Pradesh just a day prior to the incident. His death marks the third police encounter in Chennai since July.

The history-sheeter, Kakkathopu Balaji, had over 50 pending cases against him, and the police shot at him after he allegedly shot at them in a bid to escape.

The encounter took place when the police were carrying out vehicle checkups at Mullaiagar Checkpost at around 4:30 am. The other suspect with Balaji was identified as Sathyamoorthy.

Notorious criminal 'Kakkathoppu' Balaji shot dead by police in Vyasarpadi encounter, wanted in multiple criminal cases.