History-sheeter killed in police encounter in Chennai

A history sheeter was killed in a police encounter in Chennai on Wednesday. The man, Kakkathopu Balaji, had over 50 pending cases against him and the police shot at him after he allegedly shot at them in a bid to escape.
Joint Commissioner of Police (North) Pravesh Kumar was quoted as saying by news agency PTI that a car was intercepted in north Chennai during vehicle checking at around 4.30 am on Wednesday.
Balaji, who was driving the car, sped away, while another person who was in the car with him, got out and answered questions about the contents of his bag.
A police inspector, along with two other personnel, followed him in a vehicle. When Balaji’s car reached a dead end, he allegedly started firing at the police. The inspector told Balaji to stop firing and managed to escape the vehicle.
However, when Balaji didn’t stop firing, the inspector shot at him, following which he was injured.
No police personnel were injured in the incident.
Balaji was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead.
Around 10 kg of ganja and a machete were recovered from the car, and the police identified the deceased as Kakkathoppu Balaji, PTI said.
The person who travelled with Balaji has been identified as Sathyamurthy, and he has been arrested.
An FIR has been registered, and a magisterial inquiry has been ordered over the incident. Further investigation is on, police said. Pravesh Kumar was quoted by PTI as saying that a country-made gun allegedly used by Balaji, has been recovered from the area.
Balaji’s mother, however, alleged foul play in the incident.