TN: Notorious criminal killed in police encounter

Thanjavur, Feb 6: A notorious criminal was allegedly shot dead in a police encounter at Puthunagar village near Gandarvakottai in Pudukkottai district late last night.

Talking to newspersons at the Thanjavur government medical college hospital, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Tiruchirapalli range) P Kandasamy said Shankar alias Manalmedu, involved in several crimes, including murder and robbery, was being taken to Madurai Central prison, where he was lodged after producing him at Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai courts in connection with various cases.

The police van, in which he was being taken to Madurai, escorted by a team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Manickavasagam and an Inspector of police Sachidanandam, accidentally rammed into a roadside tree.

Taking the opportunity, Shankar picked up the DGP's pistol and attempted to flee. As the escort police chased him, Shankar fired at them. Police Inspector returned the fire in self-defence and shot him dead.

The body of the history sheeter was taken to the Government Medical college hospital. Police pickets were posted in the hospital to prevent untoward incident.

Two policemen, including Sachidananam, who were injured in the cross firing, were admitted to the hospital, Mr Kandasamy said.

UNI