COIMBATORE: A functionary of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Mahasabha was killed by a six-member gang near his house at Hosur in Krishnagiri district on Sunday.
Nagaraj, 45, the state secretary of the outfit, was also a realtor and a money lender. Police suspect that the murder could have been a fallout of a professional enmity.
Police said Nagaraj was out for his morning walk on Sunday around 8.30am near Hanumanth Nagar when a six-member gang stopped their car near him and attacked him. He tried to escape but the gang members chased him and hacked him to death in full public view, before fleeing from the spot.
A preliminary inquiry revealed that there was no religious or political motive behind the murder. "We suspect Nagaraj had a rivalry in his real estate and money-lending business," said a police officer. A few months ago, when he had petitioned police officials seeking protection as he sensed a threat to his life, police denied him protection.
Nagaraj, who suffered severe cut injuries on his head and abdomen, died on the spot. Eye-witnesses informed Hudco police station in Hosur, following which a team of police rushed to the spot and retrieved the body.
SP Bandi Gangadhar said six special teams have been formed to nab the killers. "The reason behind the murder is not yet known."
The deceased is survived by his wife, a son and three daughters. His body was sent to Krishnagiri Government Hospital for postmortem.