Theni tense after double murder

The deceased victims were identified as S Perumal (70) of Kailasanathar Kovil Street, Kailasapatti and M Jeyabal (55) of the Housing Board Colony, Kailasapatti, sources said.

Tension prevailed at the locality in the wake of the incident, which also left seven others injured. Sources said there was bitter enmity between two sections of the local community and problems recurred whenever birth anniversary of their caste leaders were celebrated.

Mostly, some miscreants tore up flex banners bearing images of their caste leaders and issues concerning eve-teasing also grew over the last few days. The Thenkarai police had already held peace talks involving representatives of both the sections to give up their hatred and differences. But, in the recent past, a complaint was lodged by a local of one section against the other alleging a person of selling ganja.

The house of complainant was allegedly damaged by some miscreants recently.