SIVAGANGA (MADURAI): A history-sheeter was killed in a police shootout after he attempted to escape by hacking police personnel in Sivaganga district on Wednesday.
According to police, S Karthigai Swamy (27) of Sipcot of Manamadurai had many robbery, attempt to murder, murder cases pending against him in the district and in the neighbouring districts.
Reportedly, Karthigai Swamy along with five others, after filling diesel at a petrol filling station in Madurai district escaped from the spot without giving the amount. Subsequently, the employees alerted the police.
Sivaganga police was alerted by the police as the car in which Swamy travelled had proceeded towards the district. At Kayankulam of Sivaganga town, a police constable Velmurugan attempted to stop the car in a bid to prevent them from moving further. During the attempt, the gang hacked him on the head with a sword and fled from the spot. The injured Velmurugan was rushed to Sivaganga Government Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
Later the assailants left the car in Pudukulam Kanmai near Sivaganga and fled the scene.
However, the police surrounded them in Kayaval near Sivaganga but they attempted to attack police, yet again, said sources. In retaliation, Sivaganga Town sub-inspector Bhuminathan shot at Karthigai Swamy, who died on the spot. Police also arrested three others from the spot.
The body of Karthigai Swamy was sent to Sivaganga Government Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem.