Five arrested for murder of VCK functionary in Thoothukkudi

Police in Thoothukkudi have arrested five individuals, including a DMK functionary, in connection with the murder of Balamurugan, a 40-year-old former VCK union secretary. The suspects were apprehended within six hours of the incident after authorities reviewed CCTV footage from a petrol pump on Sethupathi Road.

The fatal attack occurred around 6 am on November 1, when a five-member gang on two motorcycles allegedly surrounded Balamurugan while he was refueling his two-wheeler. The attackers reportedly used sickles to hack him, causing him to die at the scene. Police indicate the murder stemmed from a dispute regarding the placement of flex banners on the Sottaiyan Thoppu main road.

The incident led to local unrest, with hundreds of residents and relatives of the victim staging a road blockade to demand justice. The protest was eventually withdrawn following discussions with senior police officials. More than 200 police personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain order.