VELLORE: A Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) functionary was shot dead and another sustained grievous injuries after a history-sheeter allegedly opened fire with a country-made gun near Gudiyatham in Vellore district on Monday night.The accused was injured and apprehended after police opened fire when he allegedly assaulted a police officer and attempted to escape during a weapon recovery operation on Tuesday morning.The deceased was identified as M Gnanavel (43), a farmer and PMK functionary from Senguntram village near Gudiyatham. His friend Ragu (40), a hotel master from Adukamparai in Vellore and also a PMK functionary, was standing nearby when he sustained a gunshot injury to his right hand.Police said the accused, S Poovarasan (28), also a resident of Senguntram village, had a longstanding enmity with Gnanavel and had decided to eliminate him.Police arrested Poovarasan on Monday night. On Tuesday morning, a police team took him to the crime scene to identify the spot where he had hidden the country-made gun allegedly used in the crime. However, Poovarasan assaulted Assistant Sub-Inspector Raja and attempted to flee. Police shot him in the right leg and apprehended him.Both Poovarasan and Raja were admitted to Gudiyatham government hospital for treatment.Poovarasan faces 13 cases registered at various police stations, including those involving murder, attempt to murder, highway robbery, ganja sale and intimidation using a country-made gun. He had also been detained several times under the Goondas Act.Gudiyatham Taluk police have registered a case and are investigating. Police have also received information that several people in the village may possess country-made weapons, and further inquiries are underway.
