Two persons, including V.K.G. Mani, son of former Corporation east zonal chairman, V.K. Gurusamy, have been arrested on the charge of kidnapping and murdering Thoppili Muniyasamy, son of another former corporation east zonal chairman Rajapandi.
The other accused has been identified as R. Palani Murugan (25) of Ariyamangalam in Ramanathapuram district.
The police said that a simmering enmity between the two rival political groups, which hail from Ramanathapuram district, had seen eight murders and attempt-to-murder cases.
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Mr. Gurusamy has not been allowed to enter the city for the last few months due to the worsened enmity. Even an arson was reported in Keeraithurai in 2016 when a police officer had to open fire in the air to bring the situation under control.
In the meantime, Muniyasamy, a history-sheeter with Keeraithurai police, went missing on June 13 and his wife preferred a police complaint with the Anna Nagar police.
Subsequently, Mani and Palani Murugan, surrendered before the Vandiyur Village Administrative Officer Venkatesh in this connection. During police interrogation, the duo had reportedly confessed to have kidnapped Muniyasamy from Ring Road here on June 13.
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He was taken to Ariyamangalam where along with a few other associates, Muniyasamy was beaten to death with an iron rod and a club. Later, his body was burnt in a jungle.
A police team inspected the scene of crime, recovered the weapons and some material evidence for murder. The duo have been charged with murder and screening of evidence. The police are on the lookout for a few more accused.