Unidentified assailants hurled country bombs at a police escort vehicle near the Thirumandhurai toll plaza on the Chennai-Trichy National Highway on Saturday in an attempt to attack a history sheeter being transported in it.
Three police personnel sustained injuries in the blast and the ensuing melee. The attack targeted ‘Vellai’ Kali, a notorious history-sheeter from Madurai with over 30 criminal cases, including nine murders.
According to preliminary reports, as the police van approached the Perambalur district limits, a gang travelling in two cars intercepted the vehicle and hurled multiple country bombs, attempting to neutralise the police escort to reach the history-sheeter.
In self-defence and to prevent the prisoner’s escape or assassination, the police personnel reportedly opened fire at the vehicles, forcing the attackers to flee the scene. A senior officer said the assailants fled towards Chennai.
The injured were immediately rushed to the Perambalur Government Hospital for treatment. “They suffered minor injuries and are being treated at the moment,” the officer said. The condition of ‘Vellai’ Kali is reported to be stable as the police successfully shielded him from the direct impact of the explosives.