The Tahsildar of Viralimalai Taluk in Pudukottai district, R. Parthiban, was killed and four others were injured after their vehicle rammed a roadside tree in the early hours on Saturday.
The jeep in which they were traveling hit the tree between Poomaram and Kulavaipatti.
The accident occurred when they were going for a surprise raid to detect illegal sand mining activities in Koraiyaru near Avoor.
Mr. Parthiban died on the way to a hospital in Tiruchi. Four other revenue Department employees were admitted to hospital.
Police are investigating.