DMK functionary kills brother over property dispute in Thoothukudi

Police said there was a simmering dispute between J Jagan (43) alias ‘Billa’ Jagan, the youth wing organiser of DMK’s Thoothukudi South District and his brother J Simonson (38) over sharing their ancestral property and managing transport and finance businesses.

Jagan reportedly refused to divide the property and to give due share from the business earnings to Simonson. Both used to frequently quarrel over the same issue.

 The duo took part in negotiations late on Monday night in the presence of their relatives. However, no solution was reached between them even though the talks was held throughout the night. Enraged at his brother opposing any settlement, Jagan picked up his 7.6mm pistol and shot Simonson. The bullet pierced into Simpson’s thigh. He fainted before being taken to a hospital owing to excess bleeding.

 Doctors declared him brought dead at the hospital. The body was sent to the government medical college hospital for post-mortem.

After shooting his brother, Jagan escaped from the house. On learning his whereabouts, a team of police from Thoothukudi headed off to Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala and nabbed the accused.

The Thoothukudi North police have filed a case under section 302 of the IPC and 25 (1-B) of the Arms Act, sources said.

Police said several criminal cases, including one for murder, were already pending against Jagan. He is a staunch supporter of Tiruchendur DMK legislator and former minister Anitha R Radhakrishnan.

 Investigations were on to find out whether the accused was possessing license for keeping the gun. Even if he possessed a valid license, it would still be an offence as those with licensed guns were directed by the district administration to be surrendered in view of the enforcement of model code of conduct owing to the by-election to the Ottapidaram Assembly segment to be held on May 19.