Velmurugan entered the office of special tehsildhar Murugesan, who sees regulation of cable TV operations in the district, and had a heated exchange with him for recommending cancellation of his licence.
Murugesan fled outside the office when Velmurugan pulled out a sickle and attempted to attack him. However, the man gave a chase and chopped his hands. While the right hand of the tehsildar was cut nearly 60 per cent, the left hand suffered deep cuts.
The condition of Murugesan, admitted to a government hospital, was reported to be stable and his hands were heavily stitched, officials said.
Velmurugan was arrested after he surrendered before the police and a case of attempt to murder was booked against him, police said.
According to police, cable TV network in the district is allegedly managed by some rowdy elements, who are angry with the tehsildar for being strict and not allowing them to collect more than the amount stipulated by the government.
The district collector also has received several complaints from the public that the TV operators were collecting more than Rs 110 in many areas instead of Rs 70 fixed by the government.