A former DMK functionary R. Kalanithi, 35, from Kurayur was hacked to death by an unidentified armed gang on Kalligudi-Kurayur Road on Tuesday night. Police have picked up a few suspects in this connection.The police said that Kalanithi, along with his cousin Ajithkumar and his friend Hariharan was riding on a two-wheeler towards Kurayur at around 10.30 p.m. when a speeding car hit the bike. All the three riders fell off the bike.Upon seeing some armed men emerging from the car, the other two managed to flee from the scene, while Kalanithi was overpowered by the gang.The armed men repeatedly attacked him with sharp weapons. He was rushed to the Virudhunagar Government Medical College hospital. However, he was declared brought dead.The police suspect that an enmity over transporting of earth between different groups could have led to the murder.Kalligudi police are investigating. Published - July 01, 2026 06:08 pm IST