Mangaluru: Police open fire injuring robbery accused who tried to escape

Mangaluru: Police opened fire at an accused in the Kotekar Vyavasaya Seva Sahakari Sangha robbery case after he attempted to escape from custody during an evidence recovery operation on Saturday.

The accused, Murugandi Thevar, had been taken into police custody along with co-accused Yosuva Rajendran until February 3 for further investigation.

During interrogation, Murugandi told the police about the planning and execution of the robbery. He stated that he, Yosuva Rajendran, and a local associate, Shashi Thevar, had met in November 2024 near Ajjinadka in Ullal to plan the robbery when Shashi Thevar had brought a firearm and shared security loopholes that aided in robbery.

According to Murugandi, Shashi Thevar had hidden the weapon at the spot.

Based on this input, a police team consisting of the Ullal Police Inspector, one Sub-Inspector, and two Constables proceeded to Ajji Nadaka today along with Murugandi Thevar for evidence recovery and panchnama. While reaching the spot, accused Murugandi Thevar suddenly assaulted Constable Manjunath, who was holding his restraint chain. He hit him in his private parts and attempted to strangulate him with the leading chain in an attempt to flee from the spot.

In response, the Ullal Inspector fired a warning shot in the air. When Murugandi continued to flee despite the warning, the officer fired a second shot, aiming below the accused’s knee, which brought him down.

Following the incident, both Constable Manjunath and Murugandi were rushed to Yenepoya Hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed that both are out of danger and receiving medical care.

The police said that a separate case will be registered regarding the escape attempt. Further investigation is underway.

Kannan Mani, another accused in the same case also had allegedly tried to escape during spot inspection on Jan 21. Police had opened fire and secured him.