For the second time this week, Kannagi Nagar police station came under attack on Sunday.
Unidentified persons set fire to a number of vehicles seized during raids that were parked behind the station. “A constable noticed the fire in the parking yard around 3.30 a.m.. Immediately, the police control room was alerted,” said a senior police officer.
The Thoraipakkam Fire Station was informed but before the fire engines could reach the spot, nine two-wheelers were gutted, he said. A case was filed under Section 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance to destroy house, etc.) of the Indian Penal Code. The police arrested E. Dinesh (21) of Kannagi Nagar on Sunday evening and are investigating further.
Following the death of Karthik, a 23-year-old chain snatching suspect in the station last Tuesday, an mob had thrown stones at the police station twice on Wednesday and police resorted to lathi charge to chase them away.
Heavy security
After Sunday’s incident, a large number of police personnel have been posted in and around Kannagi Nagar.
Meanwhile, the Chennai City Police, facing criticism over the custodial death, have shunted out Munusamy, Inspector of Kannagi Nagar Police Station.
According to senior officers, Mr. Munusamy has not been given any new post and has been put on compulsory wait. Already, two police officials — head constable Vijay Kumar of Thoraipakkam police station and sub-inspector Packiaraj of Kannagi Nagar station — have been placed under suspension.
The victim, Karthik, was detained along with Arunachalam in Kannagi Nagar station for interrogation in connection with robbery cases in Thoraipakkam. Karthik’s mother alleged that he died due to custodial torture. She has given a representation to the police commissioner.
Meanwhile, Judicial Magistrate Uthiramerur, Satchidanandham, has also started a probe into the custodial death.
