Tamil Nadu: Official killed by sand mafia, CM Stalin announces Rs 1 cr for family

Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 26 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday announced Rs 1 crore financial assistance to the kin of Lourdu Francis, a village administrative officer (VAO) who was killed allegedly by members of a sand mining mafia.

https://www.upsc.gov.in/FR-CSM-22-engl-230523.pdf

CM Stalin also announced a government job to a member of the slain officer’s family on compassionate grounds.

Working as a village administrative officer of Murappanadu Temple, Parivaikundam Circle, Tuticorin, 53-year-old Lourdu Francis was allegedly hacked by two persons with a scythe while he was at work in his office on Tuesday afternoon.

According to local reports, he had registered a complaint against two persons, whom he allegedly saw mining sand a few days ago, at Murappanadu police station.

Francis was admitted to the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital for emergency treatment but succumbed to his injuries.

https://www.upsc.gov.in/FR-CSM-22-engl-230523.pdf

Among the two persons who attacked him, one, identified as Ramasubbu, was immediately arrested.

Police said an investigation is underway into the incident.

Further details are awaited.