Police Encounter Eliminates Bomb Attack Mastermind in Tamil Nadu Forest
In a dramatic turn of events, the prime suspect behind the bomb attack on a police team escorting notorious history-sheeter S Kalimuthu was shot dead during a police encounter in a forested area near Thirumandurai on Tuesday morning. The deceased, identified as C Azhagu Raja alias 'Kottai' Raja, was believed to have masterminded the Saturday attack that left two policemen injured.
Intensive Manhunt Leads to Apprehension
Following the brazen attack, authorities established five special teams dedicated to tracking down the suspects, with particular focus on Azhagu Raja who reportedly had a longstanding feud with Kalimuthu alias 'Vellai' Kali. The coordinated search operation spanned multiple districts before ultimately locating Azhagu Raja in Ooty, where he was apprehended and transported back to Perambalur for questioning.
Fatal Encounter During Weapon Recovery
According to police officials, on Monday night they escorted Azhagu Raja to a forested area near Thirumandurai to recover weapons he had allegedly hidden. Central zone inspector general V Balakrishnan provided detailed accounts of the incident, explaining that Raja initially misled officers to several locations before finally directing them to the actual spot where weapons were concealed.
As Raja began digging up the hidden weapons, the situation escalated dramatically. The suspect suddenly seized a country-made bomb and hurled it toward a police vehicle. Sub-inspector Sankar from Kunnam police station attempted to apprehend him, but Azhagu Raja responded by hacking the officer with a weapon and attempting to flee the scene.
Inspector Nandhakumar from Mangalamedu station then fired a single round at Raja's head in what police described as an act of self-defense. Medical personnel rushed Raja to Perambalur Government Hospital, but doctors declared him dead upon arrival. An autopsy was scheduled at the hospital, while SI Sankar received treatment for hand injuries and was admitted for further care.
Background of the Original Attack
The Saturday attack that precipitated these events occurred when Kalimuthu, wanted in multiple cases including murder, robbery, and ganja possession across various districts, was being escorted from Dindigul sub jail to Puzhal central prison in Chennai for court proceedings. An armed gang traveling in two vehicles hurled six country-made bombs at the history-sheeter and accompanying policemen as they stopped for lunch at a hotel near Thirumandurai Toll Plaza along the Trichy-Chennai national highway.
The responding policemen opened fire from their service rifles, forcing the attackers to flee after abandoning one vehicle. Constables S Vineshkumar and K Maruthapandi sustained injuries during the assault and were initially taken to Perambalur GH for treatment. Vineshkumar's condition required transfer to a private hospital in Trichy and subsequently to another facility in Coimbatore, where he has undergone multiple surgeries.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with organized criminal elements in the region, while raising questions about police procedures during high-risk operations involving dangerous suspects with access to explosive devices.
