Lourdhu Francis, a Village Administrative Officer (VAO) in Murappanadu of Thoothukudi district was allegedly murdered by members of a sand mafia in his office today (25 April).

The sand mafia operates along the Thamirabarani river that flowed nearby.

Francis’ family alleged that he was facing threats from the sand mafia because he was reporting their activities to the police. Further, they said that he had requested security from police because of previous attempts to harm him but it was not provided.

According to a news report, two people entered his office and brutally hacked him, leaving him seriously injured. He succumbed to his injuries after he was taken to the hospital.

The police have arrested one of the accused, Ramasubramanian.

District Collector Senthil Raj said that Francis was an upright officer and had a history of taking on those violating the law. It was due to his efforts that government land earmarked for setting up a museum in Adichanallur was freed up, he added.

Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore and a government job to one of his family members.

Condemning the incident, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president K Annamalai said that it is an example of how the failure of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government to rein in illegal sand mining and take action on the request for security led to the murder of a public servant.

Further, he asked how many more murders would take place before the government will wake up from its slumber and ensure law and order in the state.