Chennai, June 1 (IANS) An 18-year-old Sri Lankan refugee was killed, and another teenager was left seriously injured after a confrontation between two groups of youngsters at a private bar in Chennai allegedly escalated into a fatal act of road rage, officials said.

Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the incident. The accused have been identified as Balamurugan (21), Joshwa (19), and Kishore Kumar (19).

The deceased, Yancy (18), was a Sri Lankan refugee residing in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district.

According to investigators, the incident began inside a private bar where Yancy and her friends were spending the evening. A disagreement reportedly broke out between their group and another set of young men. Security personnel intervened and managed to defuse the situation inside the premises.

According to NDTV, tensions reportedly continued after both groups left the establishment. Police said the argument resurfaced outside the bar, prompting bouncers to separate the individuals and ask them to disperse.

Authorities said that later on Sunday night, Yancy and her companions were travelling on a two-wheeler when they encountered the rival group, who were travelling in a car. Preliminary investigations suggest that an exchange took place between the two groups, following which stones were allegedly thrown at the car.

Police believe the occupants of the vehicle then pursued the two-wheeler and intentionally collided with it. The impact threw Yancy onto the road, causing fatal injuries. She was declared dead at the scene.

A 17-year-old girl who was travelling with Yancy sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Following the incident, Yancy’s family demanded strict action against all those involved. Authorities have also sealed the private bar after reports indicated that individuals below the legal age limit may have been allowed entry.

A special police team has been deployed to trace and arrest other suspects believed to be involved in the case and currently absconding.

Police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact sequence of events and establish the role of each accused.

Officials are also examining whether lapses in compliance by the bar contributed to the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

–IANS

jk/sd/