President of Sooriyur Dwellers Association, Palaniswamy was murdered last night at his residence. The accused surrendered before police and reportedly confessed to the murder.
Police said a case filed by the forest department against the villagers for encroaching about 300 acres of forest land was pending before the High Court for the last 50 years.
Meanwhile, Palaniswamy and his son sold a portion of the land to some others, which the other dwellers objected to.