Chennai: A 26-year-old category ‘A’ history-sheeter was shot in the leg and arrested on Saturday night after he attacked a head constable with a sickle while trying to escape during a police operation near Kavanur in Thirumudivakkam.The accused was identified as Karuppu alias Tamilazhagu, of Eswaran Koil Street in Thirumudivakkam. Police said he has around 15 criminal cases pending against him, including three murder cases. He is allegedly involved in murder, attempt to murder, criminal intimidation, extortion and conducting kangaroo courts, and is classified as a category ‘A’ history-sheeter.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 Kavanur grounds.Police said the duo were later taken to the area to recover weapons allegedly concealed there. During the recovery operation, Tamilazhagu attacked head constable Vijayakumar with a sickle, injuring his right forearm, and attempted to flee.Inspector Muthukumar opened fire in self-defence and to prevent the accused from escaping, police said. The bullet hit Tamilazhagu’s right ankle, after which he was overpowered and arrested.Tamilazhagu was taken to Tambaram Government Hospital and later shifted to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital for advanced treatment. He has been admitted under police security. Head constable Vijayakumar received outpatient treatment and was discharged.Police also arrested Surya, who they said is the brother-in-law of history-sheeter “Otteri” Silambu.Police suspect Tamilazhagu and Surya were involved in manufacturing country-made bombs and in several criminal activities in and around the Tambaram Commissionerate limits. Investigators are questioning them about the recovered weapons, their suspected criminal network and the possible involvement of other associates. Further investigation is on.
