Home Guard tries to foil ATM theft, attacked

According to sources, a youth entered the ATM centre of the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) at Venkatesapuram on Perambalur main road during the wee hours of Tuesday removed his shirt and covered the camera. Then he tried to break open the machine. A passer-by, who noticed the youth, alerted Sub Inspector of Police Periasamy (57) who was on a patrol along with a home guard personnel, Kannan (35). 

Immediately, the SI and the home guard rushed to the spot and attempted to catch the culprit. But, the youth started assaulting them with a log in which Kannan sustained severe injuries and fell down while the youth tried to flee the spot. During the escape bid, the youth fell down on the road. Public, who reached the spot after seeing the commotion, caught and thrashed the youth before handing over to the police.

During interrogation by the police, the youth identified himself as D Dhanush (22) from Edayapatti village near Thirumalaipatti in Namakkal district. Dhanush also told the police that he was working as a security personnel employed by a private firm at the Perambalur district headquarters hospital.

Subsequently, the injured Kannan and Dhanush were taken to the Perambalur government hospital. Based on a complaint from Kannan, Perambalur police have registered a case and are investigating. Meanwhile, the bank officials informed the police that the ATM had contained Rs 5.81 lakh and the entire cash was safe, thanks to the timely action by SI  Periasamy and  homeguard Kannan. 

A 53-year old Sub Inspector of Police was attacked by a person, whom he enquired on suspicion at Chinnakattalai during the early hours on Tuesday. Sources said, Mayan, a sub-inspector of police, was returning  from Kalappanpatti after settling brawl between a man and his son, who were both drunk. When the SI reached Chinnakkattalai around 2 am, he noticed a person with his head covered with a bedsheet and moving in a suspicious manner. 

When Mayan stopped and inquired him, the person stabbed the SI with a knife. The police officer, who sustained injury to his left collar bone in the attack, has been admitted to the Usilampatti Government Hospital and his condition is said to be stable.

 Mayan was posted to the Sedapatti station five months back. The attacker is on the run. Based on a complaint lodged by Mayan, the Sedapatti police have registered a case under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of IPC. A search has been launched to nab the culprit.