History-sheeters hurt as Tiruchy cops open fire to foil escape bid

TIRUCHY: Police on Monday opened fire on two history-sheeters, who allegedly attacked and injured three policemen while trying to escape from them. The two history-sheeters, who were injured in the firing have been admitted to the GH.

Tiruchy Commissioner of Police M Sathyapriya after inspecting the firing spot said that the cops’ action in the present case would serve as a lesson to anti-socials, who take the law into their hands.

Sources said that N Duraisamy (39) and N Somasundaram alias Somu (35), siblings of Vannarapettai, had more than 60 cases, including ganja smuggling, kidnapping and murder pending against them across the state. Of the total cases against the duo, 30 were pending in Tiruchy district alone.

On Monday, a team of the Woraiyur police, led by Inspector Mohan, arrested the duo in connection with a theft case pending against them. During interrogation, the duo had reportedly told the police that the stolen jewels were with one of their relatives. Following this, the police took them in their vehicle to recover the jewels.

While they were near Kulumayee Amman Temple along the Uyyankondan canal, both Durai and Somu attempted to pull the police vehicle driver Chandrasekar, who lost control due to it and the vehicle hit a tree. In the impact, all the inmates fell out of the vehicle. Soon the duo pulled out sharp weapons and attacked inspector Mohan, constables, Sittarasu and Arunkumar, in which all the three sustained cuts and the culprits attempted to escape from the spot.

In a swift response, the police opened fire on both Durai and Somu below their knees. The duo, who sustained injuries, fell down and both were nabbed and sent to the GH. Similarly, the injured policemen were also admitted to the hospital.

On information, CoP Sathyapriya reached the spot and conducted an inspection. She also visited the injured policemen at the hospital and consoled them. Talking to reporters, the Commissioner said, “This is an unexpected incident. But, the police team members risked their lives and secured the duo.”

Mother of history-sheeters petitions Collector

Earlier in the day, Mallika, mother of the duo, submitted a petition to Tiruchy Collector M Pradeep Kumar claiming that the police, who had arrested them from the house in the early hours, were planning an encounter to kill her sons. Mallika appealed to the Collector to intervene and stop the encounter, if what she suspects was true.