Tamil Nadu Horror: What Led To The Nanguneri Attack And Double Murder?

Last Updated:March 04, 2026, 11:17 IST

With seven arrests in the Nanguneri double murder case, investigators are now uncovering the disturbing background behind the brutal attack

Two persons were killed and five others injured after a group of nine men armed with sickles allegedly attacked residents at Perumpathu near Nanguneri in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu on Monday night.

The deceased were identified as John Mark of Perumpathu, a person with disabilities, and Trinath Kata, a migrant worker from Odisha, who was residing in Nanguneri. Both suffered severe head and facial injuries and were declared dead at the scene.

Five Undergoing Treatment

The injured, Saskiumar of Puliyankulam, Ganesan of Veerankulam, and Nelson, Prabhakaran and Ramasamy of Perumpathu, are currently undergoing treatment in the hospital.

According to police, the attack took place at around 7:15pm when the gang entered the village and assaulted a group of people standing near a tea stall. The assailants also allegedly hurled a Molotov cocktail, which failed to explode, causing panic among residents.

A case has been registered by Nanguneri police under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act, based on a complaint lodged by injured Prabhakaran.

Seven Arrested, Two Absconding

According to a Times Of India report, those arrested have been identified as Kannan (21), Anthony Michel (18), Subbaia alias Subash (19) and Kalyani (19) of Thennimalai; Uchimahali alias Mittai (20) of Valliyur; Vasantha Kumar (21) of Nedungulam; and Raja (19) of Nanguneri.

Special police teams traced and apprehended seven accused from Thennimalai, Valliyur, Nedungulam and Nanguneri. Police are continuing efforts to trace two others who remain absconding.

Investigators stated that preliminary findings suggest the attack was allegedly carried out amid tensions linked to inter-village rivalry and to assert community dominance in the Nanguneri region.

Police further revealed that two of the arrested, Kalyani and Subash of Nedungulam, were also accused in a 2023 incident in which a student named Chinnadurai from Nanguneri was allegedly attacked at his residence.

Massive Protest Blocks Highways

Following the incident, hundreds of residents staged a protest on the Nanguneri highway, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible. The demonstration, reportedly fuelled by inter-village tensions, led to heavy traffic congestion on the Nanguneri, Ervadi and Kalakkadu roads.

John’s wife, who is unable to speak, was seen breaking down in tears at the protest site, drawing emotional responses from those present.

Political Leaders Intervene

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal leader Thirumavalavan spoke to John’s wife via video call and assured her that he would press for strict action against those responsible.

Senior police officials, including Nellai district Superintendent of Police Prassanna Kumar, Additional Director General of Police Maheshwar Dayal and Deputy Inspector General P Saravanan, held discussions with villagers in an attempt to persuade them to withdraw the protest. However, demonstrators initially refused to disperse.

Speaker Appavu later visited the spot, consoled the bereaved family and announced government assistance, including financial support and an order to construct a house for John’s family.

After more than 20 hours of protest and following negotiations led by Appavu, the villagers dispersed.

Post-Mortem And Ongoing Investigation

Police stated that John’s body would be handed over to his family following completion of the post-mortem examination.

Investigations are continuing, and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused.

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