A 25-year-old man was murdered inside a police residential quarters in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli on Monday, triggering political outrage and renewed criticism of the state’s law-and-order situation. The killing took place even as Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was in the city for official engagements.

Victim Identified; Real Estate Enmity Suspected

The deceased, Thamaraichelvan, worked in the real estate sector. According to police, the motive appears to be previous enmity linked to real estate dealings. Initial findings indicate that a five-member gang pursued him near Bheemnagar while he was riding a two-wheeler. The assailants rammed his vehicle using their motorcycles, causing him to fall.

Attempting to save himself, the injured victim reportedly ran into the newly built police residential quarters—a secured area assumed to be safe. Despite this, the gang chased him inside and attacked him with sharp weapons, killing him on the spot.

One Arrested; Hunt Launched for Four Others

A murder case has been registered at Palakkarai Police Station. One accused, Ilamaran, has been arrested. Police are searching for the remaining four suspects: Ganesan, Nandhu, Satheesh, and Prabhakaran.

The body has been sent to the Trichy Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Opposition Slams State Government

The incident immediately triggered criticism from opposition parties. BJP leader and former Tamil Nadu unit president K. Annamalai accused the DMK government of presiding over a collapse in public safety.

He said the murder inside police quarters—adjacent to an area with several schools—showed the extent of law-and-order deterioration in the state. He added that the killing occurring while the chief minister was in the same city exemplified police helplessness and growing criminal boldness.

Investigation Underway

Police teams are scanning CCTV footage and taking statements from residents of the police quarters. The pursuit of the remaining suspects continues.