Tiruchirapalli:
Tamil Nadu Minister for Environment, Pollution Control and Minorities Welfare, Mariam Pitchai, was killed on Monday morning when his car collided with a lorry in Tiruvelangurichi, about 40 km from here.
60-year-old Pitchai was sworn in less than a week ago on May 16 following the AIADMK-led front's landslide victory in the Assembly polls. He is survived by his wife and three sons.
The minister was proceeding to Chennai after garlanding the statue of community leader Perumpidugu Mutharayar when the accident took place, police said, adding four others were injured in the accident, including a police constable.
The lorry driver fled from the spot in the vehicle, they said.
Minister for Sport and Youth Welfare, N R Sivapathy, who police had earlier said was injured in the accident, has escaped unhurt, they clarified.
Pitchai's body has been brought to Tiruchi.
60-year-old Pitchai was sworn in less than a week ago on May 16 following the AIADMK-led front's landslide victory in the Assembly polls. He is survived by his wife and three sons.
The minister was proceeding to Chennai after garlanding the statue of community leader Perumpidugu Mutharayar when the accident took place, police said, adding four others were injured in the accident, including a police constable.
The lorry driver fled from the spot in the vehicle, they said.
Minister for Sport and Youth Welfare, N R Sivapathy, who police had earlier said was injured in the accident, has escaped unhurt, they clarified.
Pitchai's body has been brought to Tiruchi.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
