A 57-year-old man identified by police as Raja alias Chinnalapatti Raja was arrested near Batlagundu in Dindigul district on September 9, 2026, after an attempted arrest reportedly turned violent. According to police, Raja was staying at his sister’s farmhouse near N Kovilpatti when a special police team arrived to secure him.
Police said Raja allegedly threatened officers with a machete and refused to surrender. Sub-Inspector Arun Prasad reportedly fired warning shots into the air, after which Raja allegedly moved toward the officer and attacked him. The Sub-Inspector then fired at Raja’s leg, describing the action as self-defence. Raja was subsequently taken into custody, while the machete was recovered from the scene.
Raja was initially admitted to Nilakottai Government Hospital and later shifted for further treatment. The injured Sub-Inspector also received medical care. Police said Raja had multiple previous criminal cases registered against him, including theft, robbery, murder and attempted murder allegations. He had also previously received a life sentence in a murder case before being released on interim bail while an appeal was pending.
The incident drew attention after video footage reportedly showed portions of the confrontation. Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the related allegations.