12:29
A 28-year-old man, arrested in connection with the abduction and sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl, was shot in the leg by the police in Coimbatore after he allegedly attacked a woman inspector while attempting to flee, officials said.
The accused, identified as Thavasi, a daily wage worker, was arrested on Sunday along with his accomplice, 24-year-old Santhosh, for the crime that occurred on September 12.
Based on a complaint lodged at the All Women Police Station, Coimbatore South, police secured the two men after analysing surveillance footage and other evidence.
During interrogation, Thavasi revealed that a sickle used to threaten the minor had been hidden in a local graveyard. A police team led by Inspector I Sornavalli subsequently escorted the accused to the location to recover the weapon.
According to police, Thavasi retrieved the concealed sickle at the site and attacked Inspector Sornavalli, inflicting a shoulder injury, before attempting to escape.
When the accused ignored repeated warnings to surrender and attempted to attack other personnel, Sub-Inspector Silambarasan opened fire in self-defense, shooting Thavasi in the left leg. -- PTI
