Special Sub-Inspector (SI) M. Shanmugavel (57) was horrifically hacked to death on Tuesday night while trying to resolve a dispute between a father and son in Gudimangalam, Tiruppur district.
The murder took place at a farm owned by Madathukulam AIADMK MLA C. Mahendran.
According to preliminary police reports, a father (identified as Moorthy) and his two sons (Manikandan and Thangapandi) were employed as daily-wage workers at the MLA's farm. At around 11 PM, they were reportedly creating a disturbance under the influence of alcohol.
The altercation turned violent after Thangapandi, Moorthy's younger son, attacked his father.
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Neighbours who heard them quarrel phoned the police, after which Special SI Shanmugavel and a constable named Azhaguraja were dispatched from the Gudimangalam police station.
After trying to resolve the dispute, Shanmugavel sent Moorthy to the hospital. Left alone with the two sons, he was allegedly attacked by Manikandan, who wanted to prevent his brother's arrest. The Special SI was reportedly attacked with a sickle, due to which he suffered fatal neck injuries and died on the spot. Azhaguraja, however, managed to escape.
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By the time more police officers were dispatched to the area, they found the body of the brutally slain Shanmugavel.
The search is still on for the two brothers who are absconding, and are suspected to be habitual offenders.
Top district police officials visited the crime scene early on Wednesday morning, and have ordered an immediate, high-priority investigation. The incident has left people and political leaders across party lines shaken.