Sivaganga: Protesting against the way the party high command handled the murder of senior party leader T Kiruttinan, 25 Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) functionaries from the slain leader's native Sivaganga district have quit the party.

The functionaries, close associates of Kiruttinan, included the Sivaganga secretary, Alagarsamy and three municipal councillors, party sources said on June 9.

The resignation was also in protest against party leader M K Stalin, son of DMK chief M Karunanidhi, calling on his elder brother M K Azhagiri, an accused in the murder, at the Tiruchirappalli prison last week, sources said.

They were also disappointed over the high command "ignoring the sentiments of the party cadres”.

Stalin met Azhagiri at the prison where the latter had been lodged since his arrest in connection with the murder of Kiruttinan on May 20 in Madurai.

Police have claimed Kiruttinan, a leader of the Stalin group, was done to death due to differences among the factions, headed by Stalin and Azhagiri, over the party organisational elections.

However, those who had quit the party ruled out joining the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and said they would float a new out-fit named after Kiruttinan.

PTI