Terming the killing as horrific, Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a compensation of Rs one crore to the next of kin of the slain officer and a government job to a family member of the slain VAO. The Chief Minister said that the government appreciated the slain VAO's sense of duty and commitment towards work and added that his killing had left him sad and pained. Police investigation is on for further action.

Lourdes Francis, 53, VAO of Morappanadu Kovilpathu in Srivaikundam taluk of Thoothukudi district, was working in his office on Tuesday, an official release said. Then two men attacked him with a knife, he suffered serious injuries on his head and hands and was taken to the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital where he succumbed.

One of the two men who attacked the VAO, named Ramasubbu, was immediately arrested. As per preliminary investigation, Ramasubbu was furious as a case of sand smuggling was registered against him following a complaint by the VAO to the police. He, along with another person, attacked the officer, seriously injuring him and resulting in his death.