COIMBATORE: A prime accused involved in the horrendous murder of a four-member family was shot in both his legs by Palladam police when he tried to escape from custody on Thursday early morning.

Police were escorting Venkatesh alias Rajkumar alias Kutty to recover the sickle used to eliminate P Mohanraj, 45, a BJP functionary from Kallakinaru, his cousin Senthil Kumar, 47, mother Pushpavathi, 69 and aunt Rathinammal, 58.

Venkatesh was arrested along with his accomplices Vishal alias Sonaimuthaiya, 20, Chellamuthu, 24 from Tiruchy, and his father Iyappan, 52 who gave them sickles to execute the crime.

“After recovering the weapon from the Thottampatti area, the police team led by Palladam DSP S Sowmiya were escorting him back to Palladam when Venkatesh asked police to stop the vehicle to attend to nature’s call.

Once he got out of the vehicle, he attempted to escape by hurling mud and stones at the two cops, who attempted to nab him. In a swift action, the DSP shot him on both his knees,” said a cop.

The accused was taken to Palladam Government Hospital and then to Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) for further treatment. Superintendent of Police P Saminathan said a quarrel ended up in the brutal murder as the assailants were drunk.

“Police opened fire in self-defence at Venkatesh as he tried to escape from custody. There are several cases of attempt-to-murder against him in police stations in the Tirunelveli district. A charge sheet will be filed soon to get criminals punished,” the SP said.

Already, another accused Chellamuthu had broken his leg while attempting to escape and was admitted to CMCH for treatment.