A Dalit man was murdered over a financial dispute by a four-member gang at Gundoorani temple street near here on Sunday.
Police said Muthusamy (36) of Kuppan Valasai near Senthankulam, had given Rs 1 lakh as loan to Ravi of Chennai a few months ago.
Meanwhile, his friend Jayakirshnan of Valantharavai, called Muthusamy over phone and asked him to come to a particular place to get the money that Ravi owed. Muthusamy went to the spot along with his relative Raja on a motorcycle.
Then, Jayakrishanan had asked to him to come to a place near Gundoorani temple. The duo went to the spot, which was a remote area and met Jayakrishnan. Jayakrishnan, during the course of his conversation with Muthusamy, allegedly threw chilli powder on his face suddenly.
On seeing the sudden attack, Raja was shocked and fled, abandoning the bike.
Then, Jayakrishnan and his associates- Bass alias Baskaran, Dinesh and Arujunan of Valantharavai-chased Muthusamy when he tried to escape and allegedly attacked him with deadly weapons.
Muthusamy sustained multiple cut injuries and died on the spot. Based on a complaint lodged by Raja, Kenikarai police registered a case and have launched a hunt for the gang.