Sub Inspector of Police (SI) C Sivaramakrishnan of Teppakulam police station fired his gun in the air against an armed gang that attempted to attack the patrolling team led by him at night on Saturday, September 7.  

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Patrolling team's encounter with the armed gang

The police said that SI Sivaramakrishnan along with another SI Karthik, and a constable named Anbu were patrolling Thumatti Rengasamy Iyer Lane when they spotted a gang in autorickshaw consuming alcohol and creating a ruckus. The police team was attacked by the gang upon confronting them for creating nuisance at odd hours. 

One of the gang members, who was later identified as Palani Bharati, pulled out a sharp-edged weapon and threatened to attack before escaping the confrontation. Constable Anbu chased the armed gang but could not catch hold of Palani Bharati. When the constable returned to the spot, two of the gang members attempted to throw stones at the police team. When the constable tried to nab them, one of the gang members named Ramesh held the constable by his shirt and pushed him down. 

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Sub-Inspector fired in the air 

In self-defence, Mr. Sivaramakrishnan fired his service pistol in the air. Later, the police nabbed five individuals who were suspected to be involved in the incident. Three of them were let off after an inquiry, whereas two were arrested. They were later identified as Ramesh and Rajaganesh, the latter is an accused in a murder case. The police have booked them under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for using abusive language, criminal intimidation and preventing police officials from discharging their duties. 

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Increased vigilance due to an increase in murder cases

In a similar incident reported a few months back, the police had to open fire in self-defense after an armed gang hacked a Special Sub-Inspected of Police Selvaraj, attached to Vilakkuthoon police station. The police have increased their vigilance, especially at night, as murder incidents have increased in the city. A police official said that often the police are targeted by criminals forcing them to resort to gun firing in an act of self-defence. 

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