An armed gang on Sunday hacked a DMK functionary to death at Nandambakkam village near Kundrathur.
Police said that the assailants attacked Girirajan, 42, former Sirugalathur panchayat member, when he came out to meet the assailants, who had called him over phone. The deceased was a real estate businessman and was twice elected as Sirugalathur panchayat member.
He left his house in Sirugalathur after receiving a phone call. A short while later, residents found his body with blood injuries near Nandambakkam village. During investigation, police discovered that one of Girirajan’s relatives married a man from the family of Babu, the prime suspect. The marriage had created enmity between the two families.
The murder triggered tension in both Nandambakkam and Sirugalathur villages, where shops downed shutters.
Meanwhile, a gang went on a rampage at Babu’s house and caused extensive damage to the property.
The police have picked up Babu and two others for interrogation.