Veerabadran, the prime accused in the murder of DMK functionary Murugan, was killed in an attack on the Dindigul–Natham highway in Tamil Nadu. His wife was seriously injured.
Police said an armed gang intercepted Veerabadran and his wife as they travelled on a two-wheeler near Nochi Odaipatti. He died at the scene. His wife was taken to Dindigul Government Medical College Hospital after falling from the vehicle and is receiving treatment.
Sanarpatti police sent Veerabadran’s body for a post-mortem examination. A special team was formed on the orders of Dindigul Superintendent of Police S. Jeyakumar to trace the attackers. The Hindu reported that police seized an SUV abandoned by the gang and found weapons inside.
Veerabadran was one of eight people arrested in the 2025 murder of Murugan, a licensed contractor and DMK functionary. Murugan was abducted and killed by an armed gang. Reports on that case cited a financial dispute involving temple administration in Mettupatti. All the accused had recently been released on bail.
Police are investigating whether the latest attack was retaliation for Murugan’s murder or had another motive. Investigators have not yet established the reason.