Kin, community leaders protest in Theni after tribal leader’s death

Madurai

They demanded the immediate arrest of the accused who killed S Murugan (45), president of Endapuli Kattu Naicker Samuthayam. Sources said Murugan fell down and died after a group of people pushed him down over a trivial issue concerning bursting of crackers. However, P Sundaram, relative of the victim, on Sunday denied it and said he was beaten to death by a gang of other local community over letting access to a temple. He further said that assailants numbering 7 repeatedly stabbed the victim on his chest and stomach. Tribal people from 12 villages along with relatives of the victim thronged Theni Government Medical College Hospital and did not give consent for conducting post mortem until all the accused were arrested. Periyakulam Inspector of Police D Suresh said that the exact cause of death would be revealed after a post mortem. There is no external injury mark on his body. Two suspects have been picked up and FIR has been filed against 7 in connection with the incident, the inspector added.