The Madurai-Rameswaram National Highway was blocked by a group of persons, who demanded the police to arrest the suspects behind the alleged murder of their relative, a fisherman here on Tuesday.

The police said on May 16, the body of Silambarasan, 35, son of Madasami of Kaatoorani, was washed ashore near Vellapatti in Naripaiyur block. The body was sent to the Government Hospital.

Preliminary inquiries revealed that Silambarasan may have been murdered as he had some pending criminal cases and enmity with some fishermen in the vicinity. Demanding thorough probe, the relatives blocked the road.

Assuring that proper action would be taken, the family members were persuaded to receive the body after the post-mortem. However, the protesters dispersed but refused to take the body demanding that the police should arrest the accused.