Coimbatore police shoot sexual assault suspect after sickle attack

A man arrested for the abduction and sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl was shot by police in Coimbatore on Sunday. The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Thavasi, allegedly attacked a woman police inspector with a sickle while being led to a location to recover the weapon used in the crime.

According to police reports, Thavasi and his accomplice, 24-year-old Santhosh, were arrested following the Saturday incident in Kanjikonampalayam. During the investigation, Inspector Suvarnavalli led a team to retrieve the concealed sickle. Thavasi reportedly used the weapon to injure the inspector and attempted to flee the scene.

Sub-Inspector Silambarasan and other officers opened fire in self-defence after the suspect ignored warnings and continued to pose a threat. Thavasi sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and was transported to Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital for treatment. The injured inspector has also been admitted for medical care.