Gang kills Panchayat President's husband

Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, Jun 10 (UNI) The husband of a Panchayat President was hacked to death by a seven-member gang in broad daylight near Chidambaram here today, sparking tension in the area.

Police said Pugazhendi, husband of Uthamacholamangalam Panchayat President Jayasudha, was proceeding to Chidambaram with his friend, Mohan, on a two wheeler when the car-borne gang waylaid him.

They attacked Pugazhendi with lethal weapons, killing him on the spot. Mohan, who suffered cut injuries on his legs, was admitted to a Government hospital.

As the news spread, tension mounted in his native village, prompting deployment of police forces to prevent any untoward incident.

A special team was formed under an Additional Superintendent of Police to nab the culprits.

A clash during the recent Assembly election was suspected to be the motive behind the murder. Four of the seven-member gang have been identified so far, the sources said.

UNI XR-AKN AJ 1337