Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Jan 27: Notorious criminal Azhaguraja was shot dead in a police encounter near Thirumanthurai village in Perambalur late Monday night, marking the latest high-profile encounter in Tamil Nadu.
According to police sources, the encounter occurred when Azhaguraja, a long-time offender with over 30 criminal cases, allegedly attacked officers while being escorted during a recovery operation. The accused sustained a bullet injury to the head and died on the spot. His criminal record included murder, attempted murder, extortion, and contract killings, and he had successfully evaded arrest for years by frequently shifting hideouts across districts.
A special police team led by Mangalamet Inspector Nandakumar had arrested Azhaguraja along with six others from a hideout in Ooty, where they were living under false identities. The group was taken to the forested area near Thirumanthurai to recover hidden weapons, explosives, and other incriminating materials.
During the recovery operation, Azhaguraja allegedly attacked the escorting officers with a sickle while attempting to flee. Despite repeated warnings to surrender, he continued his assault, prompting the police to open fire in self-defence. One officer was injured but is reported to be in stable condition.
The arrest was linked to a recent attack on another hardened criminal, Kalimuthu, during a police transport operation, in which Azhaguraja is believed to have played a key role. Intelligence suggested he was hiding in Tirunelveli, leading to intensified surveillance and search operations that ultimately resulted in his capture.
Tamil Nadu has seen multiple encounter killings of high-risk criminals, typically involving offenders accused of violent crimes who attack police during operations. While authorities maintain that such encounters are acts of self-defence, they continue to spark debate over law enforcement practices, accountability, and human rights.
Police stated that with Azhaguraja’s death, a major criminal network spanning multiple districts has been disrupted, though investigations into his associates and previous crimes are ongoing.