TMC councillor hacked to death

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, APRIL 30. Residents of Thiruvalluvar Nagar in Perungudi are a nervous lot, following the murder of a TMC councillor by an eight-member gang on Sunday night.

Karnan (39), 15th ward councillor of the Perungudi Panchayat Union, was distributing invitation cards for the wedding of his daughter, scheduled for May 25 at Ramanathapuram, when he was hacked to death.

Karnan, an accused in a murder case, who used to live in the same area, shifted his residence to Kannagipuram in Okkiyam Thuraipakkam last year. He returned to the area for inviting some persons for the wedding when he was attacked by a rival gang. He died in a pool of blood near a temple and the culprits escaped.

Police investigation revealed that the murder was ``an act of revenge'' by the gang, which had been waiting since last July. Karnan, along with two others, had allegedly collected money from the residents for installing street lights and improving civic amenities. It is alleged that the group fell out, leading to the murder of one Chezian. Karnan was the main accused in the case and he had moved from the area after the incident.

Following the murder, most of the residents in the village have deserted their homes fearing police action. The road leading to Thiruvalluvar Nagar had blood stains on Monday evening. Residents fear to talk about the murder and women of the village preferred to remain indoors today. An elderly woman who mustered some courage said she saw an armed group chasing a person. As it was dark, the victim could not be recognised.

Karnan had been elected as an Independent and later joined the TMC.

The DIG, Chengai Range, Mr. Jaffer Sait, said two persons had been arrested in connection with the murder. Police personnel have been posted in the area as a precautionary measure.

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Section  : Southern States
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