In a shocking incident at VOC Stadium, Tirunelveli, five individuals — including a 16-year-old boy — were taken into custody on Monday for allegedly attacking an armed reserve police constable. The victim, A Rahmathullah (28) from Melapalayam, sustained a serious slash wound on his arm and is undergoing treatment at Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital (TvMCH).
According to police sources, the incident unfolded on Sunday night when Rahmathullah was at the stadium with his family. He intervened during a heated altercation between the group and another young man. The conflict reportedly erupted after the group confronted the youth over his friendship with a girl who is romantically involved with one of the assailants.
As Rahmathullah stepped in to defuse the situation, the suspects — believed to be under the influence of alcohol — turned violent. One of them, M Harish (21) from Vasavappapuram in Thoothukudi district, allegedly attacked the constable with a sickle. In a twist of fate, Harish fractured his hand while trying to flee from law enforcement.
The other accused have been identified as M Mathan (19) and J Parthiban (20), both residents of Ilanthaikulam, and Dinesh (22) from Palayamkottai. A juvenile involved in the case is also under police custody.
City police commissioner Santosh Hadimani formed a special task force, led by Deputy Commissioner (East) V Vinoth Santharam, which nabbed all five early Monday morning.