The Sankar Nagar police on Saturday arrested seven persons in connection with the murder of a history-sheeter in Thiruneermalai. The police suspect that a business dispute involving one of the accused and the deceased led to the killing.The deceased, Anbalagan, alias Mynakutty, 48, of K.K. Nagar, was hacked to death by an unidentified gang inside a community association building on Thiruneermalai Main Road on Friday.Anbalagan was involved in local quarry operations related to the handling of gravel. He had a significant criminal background and was classified as a Category ‘A’ history-sheeter at the Sankar Nagar police station.The investigation revealed that Veenus alias Balachandran, Anbalagan, and Sugumar, murdered Ganesan, 52, of Eswari Nagar in Nagalkeni, over a land dispute in 2021. The three were subsequently arrested and released on bail while facing trial. During the proceedings, a misunderstanding arose between Anbalagan and Veenus.According to the police, Veenus developed a grudge against Anbalagan, who he thought would be an obstacle to his activities. He hatched a plan with his associates to kill Anbalagan.Following the investigation, the police arrested the seven accused, including Veenus. Further investigation is under way. Published - August 29, 2026 07:13 pm IST