A young couple, whose inter-caste marriage was opposed by their families, was today brutally attacked by a gang with sickles in full public view in nearby Tirupur district, resulting in the death of the husband.

When Shankar (22) and Kausalya (19), hailing from Palani in Dindigul district, were waiting at the Udumalpet bus stand, a group of armed men came on a motorcycle and hacked them with sickles before fleeing, police said.

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Police rushed the profusely bleeding couple to the Government Hospital here. While Shankar died on the way, Kausalya's condition is said to be critical, and she is undergoing treatment, they added.

The couple, said to be from different castes, had fallen in love and had got married despite opposition from their families just eight months ago and the gang was reportedly related to the girl, they said.

Further investigations are on, police added.