A former panchayat president was done to death by a gang here on Thursday night.
According to sources, Govindaraj (40), former panchayat president of Putharampattu village, and Chakrvarthy, the present panchayat president, had rivalry over acquisition of a lake through auction for fishing. Chakravarthy, after acquiring the lake through auction, had been engaged in fishing there. However, the villagers alleged that he did not contribute a portion of the profit for their welfare.
Govindaraj then filed a case, following which the court imposed a stay on fishing in the lake. The case is still pending.
Meanwhile, on Thursday night, Govindaraj, who was informed that some persons were fishing in the lake, went there along with his supporters. As they were on the way, they were surrounded and attacked by an unidentified gang with weapons. While Govindarajan died on the spot, his supporters ran away and the gang escaped.
Govindaraj’s body was taken to the Sangarapuram Government Hospital. Police have registered a case and started investigation.