A gang of four unidentified persons, on Thursday night, had reportedly murdered Venkatachalam (56), former AIADMK Tourism minister and MGR Mandram deputy secretary, at Alangudi in Pudukkottai district.

Venkatachalam was alone in his house in Vadakadu village, near Alangudi, at around 7 pm, when a four-member gang, which came in a car, sneaked into the house and allegedly slashed the former AIADMK minister with a sickle.

Venkatachalam’s family members and supporters took him to a private hospital in Pudukkottai but doctors at the hospital declared him ‘brought dead’. His death was confirmed after the body was taken to Pudukkottai Government Hospital. The reason for the murder could not be ascertained immediately and police took up investigations.

There was tension in Pudukkottai, Alangudi and Vadakadu areas following the murder. An enraged group of supporters of the deceased minister resorted to a road blockade in Vadakadu village on Pudukkottai-Pattukkottai section. The mob damaged heavy vehicles, including buses and lorries. Venkatachalam had won the 1996 Assembly elections from Alangudi- constituency as an independent candidate.

Venkatachalam continued to maintain the winning spree by getting elected for the second time in 2001 on AIADMK ticket. He was Minister for Tourism, a post which he held for 40 days.