PUDUKKOTTAI: Former AIADMK minister and MGR Mandram deputy secretary A Venkatachalam (56) was reportedly murdered by a gang of four unidentified persons on Thursday night near Alangudi in Pudukkottai district.
According to sources, Venkatachalam was alone in his home in Vadakadu village near Alangudi around 7 pm. A four-member gang, which came in a car, sneaked into the house and allegedly slashed the former AIADMK minister with a sickle.
He was grievously injured and taken to a private hospital in Pudukkottai by his family and supporters. But doctors at the hospital declared him ‘brought dead’.
The body was then taken to Pudukkottai Government Hospital where his death was confirmed.
The cause of murder could not be ascertained immediately and police took up investigations.
The incident has triggered tension in Pudukkottai, Alangudi and Vadakadu areas.
An irate group of supporters of the deceased minister resorted to a road blockade in Vadakadu village on Pudukkottai-Pattukkottai section. Heavy vehicles including buses and lorries were damaged by the mob.
Venkatachalam had won the 1996 Assembly elections from Alangudi constituency as an independent candidate.
He maintained the winning spree and got elected in 2001 on AIADMK ticket. He was Minister for Tourism which post he held only for 40 days.