The brutal killing in a highly populated area triggered widespread tension.
TUTICORIN: A 40-year-old functionary of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) was hacked to death by an unidentified gang at a petrol bunk in Thoothukudi on Sunday, police said.
He ran a vegetable shop and also worked as a van driver, police said. An armed gang accosted him at the petrol bunk and hacked him to death before fleeing the scene. District superintendent of police R Siva Prasad visited the crime scene and conducted a preliminary inquiry. Police suspect that the murder stemmed from previous enmity over the placement of a digital banner for a recent event in the locality. A large police contingent has been deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any further untoward incidents.
Relatives of the victim and local residents staged a road blockade on Rameswaram Road, demanding the immediate arrest of the assailants.