Double murder accused shot during arrest in Thoothukudi

Police shoot prime murder suspect during arrest; accomplice also apprehended, stolen jewelry recovered, suspects and officers hospitalized.

A special team police shot at a 24-year-old man accused in a double murder case when he allegedly tried to attack two police personnel during his arrest in the early hours of Thursday.

Police said that E. Muneeswaran, 24, from Melanambipuram, the prime accused in the murder of mother-daughter duo P. Seethalakshmi, 70 and Ramajayanthi, 48 from Melanambipuram, on March 3, was shot below his knee, while attempting to attack police personnel and escape when he was taken to recover jewellery stolen from the deceased.

Superintendent of Police Albert John formed special teams to track down the preparators in the murder for gain case, and during their investigation they received a crucial lead about the suspect’s hideout. When Muneeswaran was located and arrested, he was taken to recover the stolen jewels, during which he allegedly attacked SI Muthuraja and Head Constable Joyson Navadoss.

Meanwhile another accused in the case A. Mahesh Kannan, 28 from Melanambipuram was also apprehended by the police team on Thursday.

The police seized 5.6 sovereigns of gold ornaments and ₹20,000 cash from Muneeswarana and 4 sovereigns and ₹15,000 cash from Mahesh Kannan.

Muneeswaran was admitted to Thoothukudi Government Medical College and Hospital for treatment. The police officials who were attacked were also hospitalised for their injuries.