A 44-year-old Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus driver died after a fight broke out during a Vinayagar Chaturthi procession in Ramapuram, Chennai. The incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Police have arrested five people in connection with the incident.
The Vinayagar Chaturthi procession began on Monday evening, September 14, near the Arulmigu Raja Ganapathi Temple. The procession later moved through 13th Street, where a disagreement reportedly developed between devotees and local residents.
According to the police, some local residents objected to people dancing in the middle of the road during the procession. An argument then broke out between the two groups. Some residents reportedly questioned why people from outside the area were using the street for the procession.
Police officers reached the spot after the argument and spoke to both groups. The situation was brought under control after discussions, and the two sides were reportedly separated.
However, the dispute did not end there. Later that night, a group allegedly led by a man named Bhuvanesh went to the house of Anand on 2nd Main Road. They reportedly took Anand outside, after which another fight broke out between the two groups.
During the second altercation, Anand allegedly hit Srinivasan, an MTC bus driver, in the chest. Srinivasan collapsed following the incident. He was taken to a nearby hospital on a scooter for emergency treatment.
Srinivasan was later taken to ESI Hospital in K.K. Nagar, where doctors declared him dead. His death turned the dispute into a serious criminal case, prompting police to begin a detailed investigation.
Ramapuram police registered a case and arrested five people believed to be connected to the two groups involved in the clashes. Investigators are questioning the accused and examining the events that led to the fatal incident.
Police are also looking into the exact circumstances surrounding Srinivasan’s death and the role played by each of the accused. Further details are expected as the investigation continues.
The incident has raised concerns about clashes during public religious processions and the need for people to handle disagreements peacefully. What began as an argument over dancing during the procession eventually resulted in the death of a person, highlighting how quickly public disputes can turn serious.