Chennai: A notorious criminal, identified as Azhaguraj, was killed in a police encounter near Perambalur on Thursday after he allegedly attacked police officers with a sickle. The incident is linked to a violent attack on a police vehicle two days prior, where Azhaguraj and his gang had thrown a country-made bomb in an attempt to murder another incarcerated rowdy, Vellai Kali, who was being transported.
Police Encounter Details: Azhaguraj Attacks SI with Sickle Before Being Shot
According to police reports, a special team had launched a search operation to apprehend Azhaguraj for his involvement in the bomb attack on the police vehicle on January 24 near Thirmandurai. During that attack, two police personnel were injured. When officers located and attempted to arrest Azhaguraj, he allegedly attacked Sub-Inspector Shankar with a sickle, inflicting injuries.
The police stated that in the ensuing struggle, they were forced to open fire in self-defence, resulting in Azhaguraj’s death at the scene. His body has been sent to a government hospital for post-mortem.
Background: Bomb Attack on Police Vehicle to Target Rival Rowdy Vellai Kali
The chain of events began when police were transporting the detained rowdy Vellai Kali to prison. Azhaguraj and his associates ambushed the vehicle with a country-made bomb in what investigators describe as a planned attempt to murder Vellai Kali.