What Led to a Teen Being Shot in Tirunelveli After Attacking Police?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 17-year-old shot by police for attacking with machete.
- Incident highlights caste-related violence in Tamil Nadu.
- Police are intensifying actions against caste organizations.
- Community safety concerns arise from this event.
- Ongoing tensions in the region require urgent attention.
Chennai, July 29 (NationPress) A 17-year-old boy was shot and injured by the police in Paappaakudi, Tirunelveli, during the early hours of Tuesday. This incident occurred after he and an accomplice reportedly attacked a Dalit youth with a machete and subsequently tried to assault law enforcement officers attempting to intervene.
Police sources indicate that both teenagers, aged 17 and belonging to the Most Backward Community (MBC), are already facing multiple criminal charges.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, they allegedly assaulted a 22-year-old Dalit individual named Sakthi, a resident of Rastha near Paappaakudi, resulting in injuries.
In response to the attack, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Murugan promptly arrived at the scene. Upon sighting the officers, the armed teens reportedly pursued them with their machetes.
During the chaotic situation, the officers scattered for their safety. Sub-Inspector Murugan sought refuge in a nearby house, where the residents swiftly locked the main door behind him.
“The armed youths repeatedly struck the door with their machetes, trying to force their way in,” a police official reported.
“In self-defense, the sub-inspector discharged his firearm, wounding one of the attackers in the hip. Witnessing his partner fall, the other teen fled the scene,” the official added.
The injured teenager was quickly transported to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital for treatment.
Local residents suggested that this violence stemmed from an earlier minor dispute between two caste groups in the village. “The groups dispersed after police arrived, but the two teens returned armed and attempted to assault the officers, resulting in the gunfire,” a villager stated.
Meanwhile, the police have initiated a manhunt to locate the fleeing youth.
It is noteworthy that the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, including Tirunelveli, Madurai, Theni, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari, have experienced numerous caste-related killings and retaliations in the past.
According to sources in the Tamil Nadu Police, they will intensify actions against several leaders of caste organizations and individuals involved in previous caste-related violence in these districts.