Chennai: Sankar, who was killed by the police in an ‘encounter’ today, was facing more than 50 criminal cases and was detained under Goondas Act nine times.
Also known as ‘Market’ Sankar, he was an A category rowdy. Sources said he had four cases of murder and three cases of attempt to murder.
He was allegedly involved in drug peddling and extorting money from vendors and threatening them.
Police said, a special team went to nab the 48-year-old rowdy at Ayanavaram in connection with a ganja selling case, when he attacked the cops, following which police opened fire in self defence killing him on the spot.
The team led by Ayanavaram police inspector Natarajan rounded him up and was being taken to recover ganja concealed in a debris dump in the area.
When the Inspector was recovering the contraband from him, Sankar attacked Constable Mubarak and the inspector opened fire on him in self defence.
In a bid to escape, he hacked Mubarak with a sickle, inflicting bleeding injuries on him, following which police opened fire.
Sankar was rushed to Kilpauk Medical College hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Mubarak was undergoing treatment at the same hospital. Senior police officials visited the spot and held preliminary inquiries.