The deceased K Rajesh (45), founder of a little-known political party called Makkal Aalum Arasiyal, is said to be a relative of history-sheeter Somu. He is also one of the accused in connection with a murder of an advocate on Egmore court premises in 2015, said police.

On Sunday evening, he had returned home after inaugurating a football tournament in Vyasarpadi and was standing outside his house when a group of men reached the spot and started hacking him with machetes.

Police said Rajesh’s skull was broken into two since the gang hit him only on his head. There were 18 hacking marks on his head, said an officer. While the gang fled, Villivakkam police rushed to the spot and sent his body for post-mortem at Kilpauk Medical College Hospital.

A case has been registered and a hunt has been launched for the suspects by forming four special teams. CCTV footage in and around the murder spot has also been retrieved.

Police said Rajesh shifted to Villivakkam recently and suspect he could have been murdered over previous enmity. Further investigation is on.