Poombarai village near Kodaikanal in Dindigul district remains tense following the brutal murder of a Dalit youth on Thursday night.
The deceased has been identified as V Ramar (26). His kin Prashanth (20) was critically injured in the attack triggered by an ongoing agricultural grazing dispute.
The local people resorted to road blockades and protests demanding the immediate arrest of all individuals involved in the crime.
According to police sources, the main occupation of the people of Poombarai is agriculture.
A dispute has been brewing between a local farmer, J Raghu, and Ramar over latter's horse grazing in former's farmland.
The feud took a violent turn when Raghu went to the house of Ramar around 8.45 pm on Thursday and took him and his relative Prashanth in his car.
When they reached near a field a few people intercepted the vehicle and attacked Ramar. When Prashanth intervened he too was hacked, sources said.
Ramar succumbed to his injuries on the spot, while Prashanth, who suffered severe deep cuts, was rushed to the government hospital.
Ramar's body has been shifted to Dindigul government hospital for post mortem. Prashanth was moved to Theni government medical college hospital where he is undergoing treatment.
The incident sparked intense communal tension in the region. The accused belong to the Mukkulathor community, sources said.
Vandalism was reported late last night, with several two-wheelers smashed, adding to the prevailing anxiety in the village.
While Raghu surrendered at the police station late last night, relatives of the deceased and over 100 members of his community alleged that Raghu did not act alone.
Claiming that several of his associates were also involved in the attack, the protesters launched a road blockade early on Friday on the key route connecting Poombarai to upper hill villages like Mannavanur.
Despite senior police officials arriving at the spot to initiate peace talks, the victim's family and protesters refused to back down, alleging police inaction and improper investigation.
According to activist, Vincent Raj alias Evidence Kathir, the protesters demanded security for Dalit community living in the village. They also demanded a police station for Poombarai.
Heavy police security has been deployed in and around Poombarai to prevent any further escalation.
(With inputs from PTI)