• Source:JND
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Tamil Nadu News: A 57-year-old Special Sub-Inspector (SSI) of police was killed in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur district on Wednesday while attempting to mediate a family argument. The officer, identified as M. Shanmugavel, was fatally attacked with a sickle, allegedly by a man and his two sons.

The incident occurred late on Tuesday night when the Kudimangalam police station received a call about a dispute on a farm in Moongilthozhuvu near Gudimangalam. SSI Shanmugavel, accompanied by Constable Azhaguraja, responded to the call. Upon arrival, they found an injured man, Moorthy and his sons, Manikandan and Thangapandi, engaged in a violent quarrel.

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According to a senior police officer, the SSI called for an ambulance for Moorthy and then tried to de-escalate the situation. However, the father and sons turned on the police officers, attacking them. While the constable and a farm manager managed to escape, SSI Shanmugavel was reportedly hacked to death by Manikandan. The crime took place around 12:30 AM on Wednesday.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the three suspects, Moorthy, Manikandan and Thangapandi who have been absconding since the attack. The trio are known to have worked on land owned by AIADMK MLA C. Mahendran. Police records indicate that Manikandan has six previous criminal cases, including attempted murder, while his younger brother has four and their father has two. A murder case has been registered against all three.

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In response to the tragic death, Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a compensation of Rs 100 lakh for the family of the deceased officer, calling his death an "irreparable loss." He has ordered the immediate arrest of the culprits.

The incident has drawn strong criticism from opposition parties. The AIADMK and BJP have condemned the ruling DMK government, questioning the safety of police officers in the state. Leader of the Opposition Edappadi Palaniswami expressed disbelief that a police officer could be so vulnerable while on duty.

Similarly, BJP state president Nainar Nagendran blamed the tragedy on widespread alcoholism and drug abuse, accusing the state government of failing to ensure public safety.