Police said 35-year-old Ilamparithi, the Vanniyar Sangam president of Parangipettai unit was murdered near the village early this morning when he and his friend were returning on a two wheeler after completing some contract work.
The gang waylaid and attacked them with lethal weapons, killing Ilamparithi on the spot and seriously injured his friend,who has been admitted to JIPMER hospital in Puducherry.
Previous enmity between Ilamparithi and AIADMK Councillor Selvarangam over handling of accounts of a local temple festival was stated to be the reason for the murder.
Police suspect Selvarangam had a role in the murder and have launched a hunt to nab him and the other gang members.