All steps have been taken to secure the armed gang, which killed Sub-Inspector of Police Alwin Sudhan (27) in Sivaganga district on Saturday, said Director-General of Police K. Ramanujan here on Sunday.
Placing a wreath on the body of the officer at the Government Rajaji Hospital mortuary here, the DGP expressed condolences to the bereaved family members.
The SI, a bachelor, was done to death after an armed gang assaulted him with deadly weapons. Two other policemen, who were injured, were admitted to a private hospital here.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, Mr. Ramanujan, however, said that the police would secure the accused gang soon. “We have formed teams…Already a few suspects are being interrogated. The whereabouts of the key accused are also gathered,” he told mediapersons.
When cited about a similar attack on a police team in Tirunelveli district on Saturday by an armed gang, the DGP said that ahead of the Thevar Jayanthi scheduled for October 30, large contingents of police have been deployed in many southern districts.
“We will take strong and stringent action as per the laws against the offenders,” he said.
Chief Minister Jayalalithaa ordered a compensation of Rs. five lakh to the dependents of the Sub-Inspector of Police
and Rs one lakh each to the head constables, Mr. Ramanujan said.
On whether the Police Department had restricted the use of weapons by officers in the rank of Sub-Inspectors, he clarified that in maintenance of law and order, the officers have been clearly instructed on the use of it. In the event of any unruly mob clashing against themselves, the police could use arms.
To another question why the police did not arrest Prabhu of Pudukottai and his accomplices (who are suspected to have been behind the death of the SI of Police Alwin Sudhan) as they figured in the habitual offenders list, Mr. Ramanujan said that in 2009, the accused was arrested. Subsequently, he had come out on bail.
A reliable source in the Police Department told The Hindu on Sunday that the SI of Police who was attacked, did not carry a weapon. According to senior officers, in such abnormal situation, by opening fire in the air, the unruly mob might have fled from the spot. In Saturday’s incident, knowing well that the young officer was not armed, the gang assaulted him.
Visits Pasumpon
After inquiring about the progress of two injured policemen of Sivaganga district, who are undergoing treatment at a private hospital, Mr. Ramanujan visited Pasumpon village in Sivaganga district. According to police, the DGP inspected the arrangements made by the police ahead of the Thevar Jayanthi.
Ministers pay homage
State Ministers Sellur K. Raju and Rajendra Balaji placed wreaths on the slain police officer and expressed condolences to the bereaved family members. They also called on the two policemen in the private hospital here.
