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.
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Cong leader Gowda, arrested for ''abusing'' official, sent to14 days'' judicial custody
Bengaluru (PTI): Congress leader Rajeev Gowda, arrested for "abusing and threatening" Shidlaghatta City Municipal Council Commissioner Amrutha Gowda, was sent to 4 days judicial custody on Tuesday.
Rajeev Gowda was on the run after police registered a case of intimidation and abusing a government officer and interrupting government work. He was arrested from Kerala on Monday.
The accused was produced before the Shidlaghatta Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) on Tuesday. The Court ordered his 14 days' judicial custody.
Rajeev Gowda had threatened Amrutha Gowda with dire consequences and used expletives against her over the phone on January 12 for removing a banner with his photo from a busy junction in Shidlaghatta town.
Since the banners were life threatening for the commuters, Amrutha Gowda ordered it removal, which enraged Rajeev Gowda.
Pained by the incident, Amrutha narrated her ordeal with the media and also made the telephonic conversation public on January 14.
The entire town, including the Municipal employees and officers, came in support of the commissioner and took out a march in the town and staged a sit-in demonstration.
The opposition BJP and JD(S) slammed the government for the incident.
Based on Amrutha Gowda's complaint, police registered an FIR against Rajeev Gowda.
Rajeev Gowda had unsuccessfully contested the 2023 Assembly election from Shidlaghatta segment on the Congress ticket.
