Saroj Thakur, the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Krishnagiri district said that all nine accused, including Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) councillor, Chinnaswamy have been arrested for beating Army soldier Prabhu to death.

On 8 February, an argument had broken out between them, when Chinnaswamy objected to Prabhu and his brother Prabhakaran washing clothes at a water tank near their house.

Later that day, Chinnaswamy along with others attacked them, severely injuring Prabhu.

In a video statement, released by Krishnagiri district police, Thakur said the prime accused Chinnaswamy is an uncle of the deceased soldier Prabhu.

He added that he had spoken to the Army officials and assured them that the police would provide all necessary assistance to the victim's family.

Further, he said that while the police had earlier filed a case under Section 302, i.e., 'attempt to murder', they had now changed it to Section 307, i.e., 'murder'.

Reacting to the incident, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president, K Annamalai said that he was shocked and angered to hear of Prabhu's death.

Coming down heavily on Chief Minister MK Stalin, he said that the law and order situation had deteriorated under the DMK rule to such an extent that even Army soldiers are not safe in their hometowns.

He later announced that the Ex-Servicemen Cell of the BJP would pay homage to Prabhu and hold a protest at district collectorates across the state on 16 February. Annamalai also plans to hold another protest, a few days later, at the War Memorial in Chennai.

Also Read: DMK Councillor Beats Army Soldier To Death In Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri; Police Arrest 6 Accused Including Councillor's Son