Chennai, Sept 7:
A functionary of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) was hacked to death by an armed gang in Vannandurai in south Chennai on Sunday, a day before Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay was scheduled to respond to the Opposition’s criticism of the State’s law-and-order situation in the Assembly.
The deceased, identified as Kannan, was reportedly chased and attacked with sickles. He suffered multiple cut injuries and died at the spot.
Police have arrested five people in connection with the murder and are investigating the motive. Initial investigations have pointed to previous enmity as a possible reason for the attack. CCTV footage from the area is also being examined as part of the probe.
Kannan had earlier served as the AIADMK South Zone-174 Ward Secretary before leaving the party and joining the TVK. Police said he was a history-sheeter and had previous criminal cases, including murder and attempt-to-murder cases.
Police are also examining a possible revenge-killing angle linked to a 2009 murder case in the Thiruvanmiyur area. Investigators are checking Kannan’s past disputes, associates and contacts before the attack.
The body was taken to Government Royapettah Hospital for postmortem.
The killing triggered an immediate political reaction, coming just before Vijay’s scheduled reply to the debate on the demands for grants for the Police, Fire and Rescue Services Department, which he handles as Home Minister.
Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin criticised the government over the incident and questioned the law-and-order situation under the new administration.
He also raised questions over Kannan’s criminal background and his recent association with the ruling party.
The government and police are yet to establish the precise motive for the killing, with the investigation continuing.