Chennai's notorious gangster, Kaka Thoppu Balaji, was killed in a police encounter, marking the end of his criminal reign. Balaji, originally from the Broadway BRN Garden area of Chennai, had a long history of criminal activity, amassing 59 cases that included murder, attempted murder, and extortion. His notoriety in the underworld was cemented after several high-profile incidents, including an attempted assassination involving country bombs in 2020.
Following his release from prison, Balaji stayed away from Chennai, hiding in the Andhra Pradesh border areas, where he continued his criminal activities, including extortion and organised rowdyism. He avoided returning to the city due to police pressure.
The encounter unfolded in the early hours of the morning when the police were conducting a vehicle check in the Kodungaiyur Mullai Nagar area. A car, speeding past without stopping for inspection, led to a chase, which ended near Vyasarpadi BSNL quarters. Balaji, who was inside the car, resisted arrest by firing twice at the police. In self-defence, Kodungaiyur Police Inspector Saravanan fired back, hitting Balaji in the chest, which led to his death on the spot. His body was sent to Royapettah Government Hospital for a post-mortem.
Balaji's criminal journey began at a young age when he was arrested in his early days for minor offences. Over time, he formed alliances with other prominent rowdies, including Yuvraj and Inbaraj, leading to his rise in North Chennai’s underworld. His first significant crime was the murder of Pushpa, brother of Rowdy Damu, which escalated his infamy. Eventually, a rivalry between Balaji and Yuvraj turned deadly, and Balaji took over the "Kaka Thoppu" area after Yuvraj's death.
Balaji's violent streak continued as he sought to dominate North Chennai, engaging in multiple killings of rival gang members, including the beheadings of Billa Suresh and VG (A) Vijayakumar. His influence expanded into sheep smuggling, where he gained control over the lucrative trade in Madhavaram.
Despite being regularly arrested and jailed, Balaji’s criminal activities resumed each time he was released. His eventual death in the police encounter signals the closure of a violent chapter in Chennai's underworld, according to authorities, who believe his era of terror has finally ended.
