A 28-year-old Dalit youth, Vairamuthu, was hacked to death in Mayiladuthurai on Monday, allegedly by the family members of his girlfriend, who opposed their relationship. Police said he was attacked with sharp weapons, and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The murder sparked protests by CPI(M), DYFI and kin demanding arrests under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.