The Kelambakkam police have arrested four persons on charges of murdering a 22-year-old youth over his relationship with a woman from the same locality and community in Thaiyur near Kelambakkam.Police said the victim, K. Praveenkumar, a resident of Chinnama Nagar, was working at a private firm. He had been in a relationship with the woman for the past three years. However, the woman’s family opposed their relationship. The couple continued to maintain their relationship despite several warnings from her family.On August 16, the woman’s brother, father and others allegedly attacked Praveenkumar with knives at night. He sustained severe injuries to his head and hand, and was undergoing treatment at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai. A case of attempt to murder was registered in connection with the incident.Four accused persons — S. Ezhumalai, 43, the woman’s father; his son Gautham, 18; R. Manikandan, 32; and M. Nandhees, 18, — were arrested on August 17 and remanded in judicial custody.Praveenkumar died while undergoing treatment at the hospital on August 20. Following his death, the case was altered from attempt to murder to murder, and further investigation is under way. The police also added murder charges against the arrested persons. Police are searching for another accused, who is believed to be absconding.Relatives of Praveenkumar staged a protest on Friday demanding justice. Police also said the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was not invoked as both the victim and the accused belonged to the Scheduled Caste community. Published - August 22, 2026 07:58 pm IST