Tirunelveli Police Open Fire in Self-Defense After Juveniles Attack Dalit Youth in Tamil Nadu Village

Tirunelveli- A violent confrontation unfolded in Rasthavoor village, Tirunelveli, when two juveniles allegedly attempted to murder Shakthikumar, a 22-year-old Scheduled Caste (SC) youth from Indira Colony, Samathuvapuram. The attack, motivated by the juveniles' resentment over Shakthikumar’s alleged plan to report their rowdy behavior, occurred near a pond outside the village. The assailants attacked Shakthikumar with a sickle, severely injuring his leg.

Fleeing for safety, Shakthikumar sought refuge in a nearby house. The juveniles pursued him, damaging the house’s door with their sickles and issuing death threats to the occupants, including a woman and her son.

Upon receiving a distress call, police personnel, including Special Force Constable Ranjith, arrived at the scene. The juveniles allegedly attacked the officers, injuring Constable Ranjith’s leg. Sub-Inspector Murugan, from Pappakudi Police Station, attempted to de-escalate the situation by advising the juveniles against causing public disturbance. However, the juveniles turned hostile, advancing toward Sub-Inspector Murugan with a sickle.

Forced to seek refuge in a nearby house, Sub-Inspector Murugan faced continued aggression as the juveniles damaged the property and threatened those inside. In a critical moment, with lives at stake, Sub-Inspector Murugan fired a warning shot from his service pistol in self-defense, prompting the juveniles to flee.

One juvenile, aged 17, was later found with a chest injury and was rushed to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital (TvMCH), where he is stable. Shakthikumar, the initial victim, and Constable Ranjith are also receiving treatment at TvMCH and are reported to be stable. The second juvenile was apprehended by the police.

The juveniles have a documented history of criminal activities. The first juvenile faces four prior cases at Pappakudi Police Station, including a petrol bomb incident. The second juvenile, currently hospitalized, has eight registered cases, including murder, a petrol bomb attack, and charges under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Tirunelveli City Police Commissioner Santosh Hadimani in a press statement said, "The police acted swiftly to rescue Shakthikumar from a violent attack by two juveniles in Rasthavoor. When the assailants turned on our officers, injuring a constable and threatening Sub-Inspector Murugan, a warning shot was fired in self-defense to protect lives and property. The situation is now under control, with one juvenile apprehended and the other receiving medical care. We are committed to ensuring public safety and maintaining peace.”

The incident caused panic among Rasthavoor residents, prompting District Superintendent of Police N. Silambarasan to visit the site and deploy additional forces to restore calm. Enhanced security measures are in place, and the situation is being closely monitored. Cases have been filed against the juveniles for attempt to murder, property damage, and violations under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.