Chennai: An ‘A’ category history-sheeter was shot in the leg and arrested after he attacked a head constable with a sickle while attempting to escape during a police operation near Kavanur in Thirumudivakkam on Saturday night.The accused, Karuppu alias Tamilazhagu, 26, a resident of Eswaran Koil Street in Thirumudivakkam, has around 15 criminal cases pending against him, including three murder cases. Police said his other offences include attempt to murder, criminal intimidation, extortion and conducting kangaroo courts.According to police, a special team led by Thirumudivakkam inspector Muthukumar acted on a tip-off about ganja being sold near a vacant ground behind a private college in Kundrathur. Around 10.30pm, the team intercepted Tamilazhagu and his associate, Akash alias Surya, 24, near the Kavanur grounds.Police said the accused were subsequently taken to recover weapons concealed in the area. During the recovery operation, Tamilazhagu attacked head constable Vijayakumar with a sickle, causing injuries to his right forearm, and attempted to flee.Muthukumar then opened fire in self-defence and to prevent the accused from escaping, police said. The bullet struck Tamilazhagu’s right ankle, following which he was overpowered and arrested.Tamilazhagu was taken to Tambaram Government Hospital before being shifted to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital for advanced treatment. He remains admitted under police security. Vijayakumar received outpatient treatment for his injuries and was discharged.Police also arrested Surya, who they said is the brother-in-law of history-sheeter ‘Otteri’ Silambu.Preliminary investigation has revealed that Tamilazhagu and Surya were allegedly involved in the manufacture of country-made bombs. Police also suspect the duo was involved in several criminal activities in and around the Tambaram commissionerate limits. Investigators are questioning both accused regarding the recovered weapon, their suspected criminal network and the possible involvement of other associates. Further investigation is under way.
