CRPF policeman foils attempt on TN Minister

Madurai, Jun 13 (UNI) An armed assailant made an abortive attempt on the life of Tamil Nadu Local Administration Minister and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's son M K Stalin at the railway station in the city early today.

The Minister had a narrow escape when a CRPF constable foiled the attempt by catching hold of the knife in the hand of the aggressor.

Constable Suresh Kumar sustained cut injuries and was treated at a private hospital.

Police said the assailent, who managed to sneak into the crowd, was spotted by the alert CRPF constable.

Dropping the weapon, a small knife, he, however, managed to escape as the alarm raised by the constable could not be heard in the din.

The incident came to light hours after the minister left the station.

Later at a media briefing, Mr Stalin said the assailant, probably in his late 50s, had pulled his shirt from behind while proceeding on the platform after alighting from the train.

Thinking that it must be some enthusiastic party worker, he had moved ahead. ''The alert constable saved me by holding the assailant by his hand,'' he said.

The Mnister brushed aside further queries on the incident, saying people entering public life should not be cowed down by such threats.

On a complaint from the constable, the Railway Police registered a case while the city police launched a manhunt to nab the assailant.

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