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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Bihar CM Nitish Kumar takes oath as Rajya Sabha member
New Delhi (PTI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday took oath as a member of Rajya Sabha, marking the end of his two-decade rule in the eastern state and paving the way for a new chief minister.
The oath was administered by Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan in his chamber at a brief ceremony. The Chairman later welcomed him as a member of the Upper House and also on his return in Parliament.
Kumar took the oath in Hindi in the presence of Union Minister J P Nadda, who is also leader of the house, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ram Nath Thakur and Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal.
Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudhary was also present at the oath-taking.
JDU leader and party's working president Sanjay Kumar Jha, Congress chief whip in Rajya Sabha Jairam Ramesh, besides BJP MP and former union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy and BJP chief whip in Lok Sabha Sanjay Jaiswal, were among those present during the oath-taking.
"Vice President of India and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, administered the oath to Shri Nitish Kumar as an elected Member of Rajya Sabha, from Bihar, at Parliament House today," the Vice President's office said on X, while sharing pictures of the oath-taking.
After the oath-taking, Kumar came out of the new Parliament building and spoke about the time he was a member of the Lok Sabha and sat in the old Parliament building.
As Kumar assumes the Rajya Sabha role, it marks the end of his long two-decade rule in Bihar. Kumar will soon resign as chief minister and the NDA is likely to elect a new chief minister of Bihar on April 14.
He has already resigned as a member of the State Legislative Council on March 30 after he was elected to Rajya Sabha.
The JD(U) supremo was elected to the Upper House of Parliament on March 16, and he had to quit as an MLC in the 14-day period after his election.
