Tirunelveli police open fire on 17-year-old boy during clash, sparks outrage
Tirunelveli rural police opened fire at a 17-year-old boy during a scuffle near Pappakudi, after he allegedly attacked a Sub-Inspector. Both the boy and the SI were admitted to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital.
Tirunelveli: A violent confrontation in Pappakudi, Tirunelveli, took a dramatic turn when rural police opened fire on a 17-year-old boy late Monday night. The incident occurred after the boy allegedly attacked a police officer with a sharp weapon during an attempt to mediate a clash between two groups.
According to police reports, the altercation began around 11 PM when two rival groups engaged in a heated dispute. Upon receiving information, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Murugan arrived at the scene to intervene. As officers attempted to pacify the situation, the teenager, reportedly armed with a sickle or machete, allegedly tried to slash the SI. In response, the police fired a single shot in self-defense, striking the boy in the abdomen.
Both the injured teenager and the SI were immediately rushed to Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital for treatment. Medical sources confirmed that the boy suffered a stomach injury but is in stable condition with no immediate threat to his life. The Sub-Inspector, who sustained injuries during the scuffle, is also under medical supervision.
The incident has triggered public outrage, with questions being raised about the police’s use of lethal force against a minor. Activists and local residents are demanding a transparent investigation into whether proper protocols were followed before the firing.