History-sheeter shot dead in 'encounter', says police
Perambalur (Tamil Nadu) (PTI): A history-sheeter was shot dead in an encounter near Thirumanthurai in Perambalur district on Tuesday morning after he allegedly attacked a sub-inspector while trying to escape from custody, police said.
The deceased, identified as Kottu Raja alias Azhaguraja, was a prime suspect in the recent attack on another notorious criminal, Vellai Kali.
Inspector General (IG) of Police (Central Zone) V Balakrishnan provided a detailed account of the events leading to the encounter during a press briefing.
On January 24, a police escort team was transporting Vellai Kali from Dindigul to Chennai. While the team stopped for lunch, a gang of more than 10 people, including Azhaguraja, hurled country-made bombs at the vehicle.
"A policeman suffered multiple fractures and severe muscle injuries during this assault and is currently receiving advanced medical treatment in Coimbatore," the IG said.
Following the incident, an attempt to murder case and explosives-related charges were filed at the Mangalamedu police station. Five special teams were formed to track the suspects.
"Based on intelligence that the group was hiding in Ooty, police tracked and arrested Azhaguraja on Monday evening. Azhaguraja's extensive criminal history included more than five cases, featuring three murder charges, attempt to murder, and violations of the Arms Act," Balakrishnan said.
According to him, during interrogation, Azhaguraja claimed he had hidden weapons and country-made bombs near the Tiruchi-Chennai National Highway.
On Tuesday morning, the Mangalamedu Inspector took him to the site to recover the cache.
"Azhaguraja initially misled officers by taking them to several wrong locations. Upon reaching the actual spot, Raja suddenly hurled a country-made bomb at the police vehicle, causing significant damage.
"As the Kunnam Sub-Inspector tried to apprehend him, Azhaguraja used a hidden sharp-edged weapon to attack the SI’s hand. In response, the Mangalamedu Inspector fired his weapon, striking Azhaguraja in the head," Balakrishnan said.
As the 108 ambulance was delayed, police rushed Azhaguraja to the Perambalur Government General Hospital in their own vehicle, where he was declared dead, he added.
The injured SI is currently receiving treatment at a government hospital, the IG said.
"As per legal protocol, a magistrate inquiry is being conducted into the encounter, and the First Information Report has been forwarded to the court," he added.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
EC-TMC meet ends on bitter note; CEC asks TMC delegation to 'get lost', MP accused of 'shouting'
_vb_41.jpeg)
New Delhi (PTI): The meeting between a Trinamool Congress delegation and the full bench of the Election Commission on Wednesday culminated on an acrimonious note, with the TMC saying the panel's chief asked them to "get lost" at the end of the seven-minute meeting, while the EC accused them of "shouting".
After the meeting, TMC's Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien told mediapersons that they handed over letters from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, and also apprised him of specific instances of poll officials having links with the BJP.
"Then he said, 'Get lost'. We have done eight to nine meetings with the Election Commission. Apart from the CEC, none of the other election commissioners spoke," O'Brien said.
"While we were walking out, one of my colleagues congratulated Gyanesh Kumar for being the only CEC to have notices moved in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for his removal," O'Brien MP said.
Meanwhile, sources in the Election Commission said the poll panel chief gave a "straight talk" to TMC leaders.
They accused O'Brien of shouting at the election commissioners and alleged that he asked the CEC not to speak.
The EC sources further said the elections in West Bengal would be "fear-free, violence-free, intimidation-free, and inducement-free."
_vb_97.jpeg)
