Tiruppur, Aug 7: A man accused in the brutal murder of Special Sub‑Inspector (SSI) Shanmugavel was shot dead in a police encounter after allegedly attempting to escape and attack an officer in Tiruppur district.According to police reports, the accused Manikandan was being taken to the scene of the crime near Upparu Anai canal to recover a hidden weapon. During the operation, he reportedly attempted to escape and attacked Assistant Inspector Saravanan with a sickle, injuring his hand. In response, police opened fire, killing Manikandan on the spot.
The incident follows the murder of SSI Shanmugavel, who was hacked to death on Tuesday night while responding to a family dispute at a farmland owned by relatives of AIADMK MLA Mahendran near Udumalpet. The officer had gone to intervene in a quarrel involving two farm workers, Moorthy and his son Thangapandian. Both were arrested after allegedly attacking and killing the officer with a sickle.
Police have formed five special teams to investigate the case further. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condemned the killing and announced ₹1 crore as compensation to the officer’s family. The case has raised serious concerns about law and order in the region.