C. Pasupathi Pandian, founder-leader of Devendra Kula Velalar Kootamaippu, a Dalit outfit, was brutally murdered near his house at MN Nagar in Nandhavanapatti, six km from Dindigul, on Tiruchi-Dindigul highway on Tuesday night.
A gang attacked him with lethal weapons while he was relaxing on an open ground near his house. He died on the spot. The police brought the body to Dindigul Government Hospital for post mortem. He had stab injuries on the chest, stomach region and hack wounds on the hip and back. There were also deep cuts on the neck. After inspecting the murder spot and examining the wounds on the body, the police said that the gang must have repeatedly hacked him with sickles and stabbed him with sharp weapons till he died. Police confirmed he was alone at the time of attack.
His supporters, who were with him just a few minutes before the attack, had gone to Dindigul on personal work. He had also reportedly sent his lone close associate to buy cigarettes.
Taking advantage of the situation, the gang murdered him and escaped. A bicycle was found near the house.
Pasupathi Pandian, native of Alangar Thattu village in Tuticorin district, came to Dindigul in 1997 when he faced persistent threats to his life. He was also reportedly involved in a murder case.
Several attempts on his life were made by rival gangs in Tuticorin that forced him to shift his base to Dindigul along with family members.
In 2006, an attempt was made on him in Tuticorin. A gang hurled bombs and attacked his car on Tuticorin highway. It was a narrow escape for him. He had managed to escape in another car. But his wife, Jescintha Pandian, was murdered by the gang on the spot.
He was living with son Santhosh and daughter Priya.
Normally, his supporters guarded the house round-the-clock and many stayed in his house. On Tuesday, none of them were with him, said local people.
