Virudhunagar AIADMK man killed in front of mom

The deceased victim was identified as Shanmugavel Rajan alias ‘Cement’ Shanmugam.

According to sources, the incident occurred in front of Shanmugavel Rajan’s house at Allampatti. CCTV footage showed an armed gang in four bikes, dragging the victim out and attacking him. The victim’s mother attempted to rescue Shanmugavel, but the gang pushedher down and hacked him to death. They then fled the spot.

Among those in the unidentified gang, three wore helmets and the rest masked themselves with kerchief to conceal their identity.

However, two persons, including Sermaraj (26) and Sathish (21), were arrested in connection to the incident in the late nighthours of Tuesday. Besides, two daggers were seized from them.

It was only three days before the incident that Shanmugam was made president of the students’ wing, Virudhunagar union, sources said.

Virudhunagar East Inspector of Police S Sampath, after inquiries, said the murder was suspected to be carried out to avenge the killing of Arunpandian, who was murdered a few months ago in Virudhunagar. Investigations revealed that Shanmugam was the key accused in the 2018 murder of Muthukamatchi, brother of Sermaraj, who was detained on Tuesday night.

The other detainee, Sathish, was brother of Arunpandian, murdered a few months ago.

Vignesh, who is absconding along with his accomplices, is said to be the key accusedin Shanmugam’s killing, the Inspector said.

Based on a complaint lodged by Bhavani, mother of the deceased victim, the Virudhunagar East police have filed a case. A hunt is on to nab the accused.