Palakkad: A crime scene reenactment in Kalmandapam turned dramatic on Thursday when a thief tried to grab a sub-inspector’s revolver during evidence gathering. The quick reflexes of the officer prevented what could have escalated into a dangerous incident.

The accused, Settimani—also known by the alias Manimaran—from Warangal, Telangana, was taken to Prathibhanagar Colony to recreate the sequence of a previous burglary. He is suspected of involvement in a series of housebreaks in the region.

The episode unfolded at the residence of V. Sivadas, proprietor of Kala Hotel and Kala Furniture. Settimani had earlier broken into the home, accessed the upper floor safe, and escaped with ₹7.5 lakh in cash.

While sub-inspector H. Harshad and his team were wrapping up the site inspection, the accused abruptly attempted to seize the officer’s service weapon mid-conversation. Reacting swiftly, SI Harshad overpowered Settimani by shoving him onto a nearby staircase and restraining him, thereby averting a potential catastrophe.

Following this scuffle, investigators scoured the surroundings and discovered tools allegedly used in previous thefts. Hidden among the shrubs near an under-construction building, they retrieved a knife, an iron rod, and a sword stick, likely stashed by the accused.

Police say that Settimani’s actions show signs of premeditation and added that additional charges may follow. The recovered weapons are being analyzed for links to other unresolved thefts in the district.