A Hindu Munnani leader was hacked to death by unidentified persons at Tenkasi in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, triggering tension in the communally sensitive town, police said on Monday.

Kumarapandian (38), president of Hindu Munnani Tenkasi unit, was attacked by the gang late on Sunday night while he was returning home at Tenkasi, about 90 km from Madurai, they said.

He was critically injured and died on the way to a hospital, they said.

Kumarapandian used to organise several religious functions, including the 'Vinayakar Chathurthi' procession in the town.

On December 6, he had taken the lead to observe 'Hindu Awakening Day" in Tenkasi, they said.

Tirunelveli Superintent of Police Senthamarai Kannan visited the site of the crime to conduct an on-the-spot inquiry.

A large contingent of police has been deployed in the town, which was tense following the death.

A special team had been formed to nab the culprits, police said.