Published Apr 07, 2026 | 8:05 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 07, 2026 | 8:05 PM
Gunshot. (Representative image)
Synopsis: When the officer asked him to come down and began questioning him, Manikandan allegedly argued that the toddy was meant for personal consumption and questioned the police action. During the altercation, he is said to have attacked the Sub-Inspector with a wooden log, causing injuries to his head.
A youth was shot in the leg after he allegedly attacked a police officer who had gone to question him over illegal toddy extraction near Alangulam in Tenkasi district on Tuesday, 7 April.
Toddy extraction and sale have been illegal in Tamil Nadu since January 1, 1987, under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act of 1937.
The injured youth has been identified as Manikandan, son of Perumal Seth, a resident of Melatheru in Marudhamputhur. He is engaged in palm tree climbing and is a daily wage labour.
According to police sources, Alangulam Sub-Inspector Isakki Raja received information about toddy being illegally extracted in the Marumathur area. Acting on the tip-off, he rushed to the spot and found Manikandan atop a palm tree.
When the officer asked him to come down and began questioning him, Manikandan allegedly argued that the toddy was meant for personal consumption and questioned the police action. During the altercation, he is said to have attacked the Sub-Inspector with a wooden log, causing injuries to his head.
In an attempt to defend himself and escape the assault, the Sub-Inspector allegedly fired his service weapon, shooting Manikandan in the leg.
Manikandan was later taken to a hospital for treatment, while further investigation into the incident is underway.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
