Robbers loot Rs 3.5L from Tasmac staff

According to police, Murugan (50) from Buttireddipatti and Anandan (45) from Nambiyampatti, both working as sales men at a Tasmac shop at Katteri village near Uthangarai were heading in a two wheeler to hand over the collection amount of Rs 3.5 lakh to their supervisors, when the incident happened.

As the duo reached a private college near Katteri on Hanumanth Theertham-Uthangarai Road, two men, who followed them in a two wheeler had intercepted them and asked for the money by showing the gun.

“When they refused to give the money, the masked robbers opened fire, injuring Murugan on his ear and Anandan on his stomach. As the duo fell, the thieves snatched away their bag containing cash and sped away in their two-wheeler,” police added.

Later, passers-by rushed both Murugan and Anandan to Uthangarai Government Hospital. After treatment, Anandan was shifted to Salem Government Hospital, where the bullet was removed from his stomach, while Murugan was admitted in Dharmapuri Government Hospital.

Following which, West Zone IG K Periaiah, DIG Senthil Kumar and Krishnagiri District Superintendent of Police Mahesh Kumar visited the scene of crime and also inquired the injured Tasmac staff by visiting them in the hospital.

As the robbers were totting a gun, several teams of police including the Anti-Naxal Wing and Q branch police have taken up investigation to know if the gun was a country made or a smaller pistol. The Uthangarai police have registered a case and special teams of police are on the lookout for culprits.

Meanwhile, all Tasmac shops in Krishnagiri district remained closed for the day to condemn the incident and also demanded protection for the staff. However, the shops opened at 3 pm after Tasmac officials held talks and promised to look into their demands.