Heavy police security was deployed in Madurai's Jaihindpuram area on Wednesday following the murder of a Hindu makkal katchi functionary by unidentified assailants.
According to the police, the victim has been identified as Manikandan (41) of Madurai's Villapuram, who ran a jewelery shop. He was the Deputy Secretary of the Southern District of the Hindu Makkal Katchi. Manikandan was ambushed by a three-member gang armed with sickles and knives on MK Puram Main Road in the city when he was returning home on a two-wheeler around 8pm on Tuesday and was brutally attacked, police said.
The attackers then fled the scene on two-wheelers. Manikandan, who was critically injured, was rescued by passers-by and sent to Rajaji Government Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Jaihindpuram police registered a case and detained seven suspects for questioning on Wednesday morning. Further investigations are underway.