Notorious criminal killed in police encounter

Chennai, Dec 12 (UNI) A notorious criminal was shot dead by the police in an encounter at Tiruneermalai here today.

Police said Kumar alias Punk Kumar (36), hailing from Saidapet, was booked in 32 criminal cases, including three murder cases.

He was shot dead by the police when he attacked them with lethal weapons and country-made bombs.

An official release tonight said an associate of Kumar sought Rs ten lakhs from one Basheer, a real estate businessman, who pleaded his inability to pay such a huge amount.

Following this, Kumar's associate threatened Basheer that he would be killed if he failed to pay the money.

Based on a complaint from Basheer, a police team led by Central Crime Branch Inspector Thillai Natarajan today conducted a search to nab Kumar and his gang.

On seeing the police, the gang attacked the police with lethal weapons and Mr Thillai Natarajan, his two subordinates Poomaran and Ravikumar (Sub-Inspectors) were injured in the attack.

As the situation went out of control, Mr Natarajan opened fire from his service revolver at Kumar, injuring him severely.

The remaining gang members fled the scene and escaped.

Later, the injured Kumar was brought to a government hospital at Chrompet, where the doctors declared him brought dead, the release added.

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