AR cop opens fire at public after altercation, arrested

D Jegan Raj (32) from Nilakottai in Dindigul, an Armed Reserve Police constable, was deputed as a security officer in Tiruvaduthurai Aadheenam, the Saivite mutt near Mayiladuthurai. Sources said Jegan Raj used to speak to a woman at Market Street in Tiruvaduthurai where he was working. Around 10.30 pm on Sunday, he was talking to the woman in a secluded place. Noticing this, S Mathiyazhagan (46), a local resident, reportedly captured the video using his mobile phone. Jegan objected to this and seized the phone, which triggered a heated argument between them.

In the middle of the argument, Jegan fired at Mathiyazhagan’s feet. The latter cried out in pain, which brought village head S Selvaraj (40) to the spot. Selvaraj questioned Jegan, which led to another round of argument. Jegan fired his weapon yet another time, and the bullet penetrated Selvaraj’s left leg and exited through his right one.

The villagers who rushed to the spot surrounded Jegan and tried to secure him. But Jegan fired into the air in a bid to escape, which scattered and dispersed the crowd. The information soon reached Kuthalam police, who rushed to the spot and rescued Mathiyazhagan and Selvaraj. They were rushed to Mayiladuthurai GH, from where they were referred to Tiruvarur Medical College Hospital where they are recovering.

Meanwhile, the police apprehended Jegan who was in hiding. On Monday, the senior officials, including SP C Vijayakumar and DIG J Loganthan, visited the spot and conducted an inquiry. The forensic team visited the spot and collected evidence including bullet shrapnel. Jegan was subjected to a first-level inquiry and was suspended for his actions. A case has been registered in Kuthalam police station under IPC section 307 (attempt to murder) and Arms Act, 1959. Jegan has been remanded to judicial custody.