THENI: A Special Sub-Inspector of Police died after an altercation with a group of youths bursting firecrackers on a public road in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district on Deepavali night. Three people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Senthil Kumar, 56, was attached to the Theni Deputy Superintendent of Police’s office. He was returning home in civilian clothes after duty when he noticed youngsters bursting high-decibel firecrackers on a road at Samadharmapuram and blocking traffic, reportedly to film social media reels.
According to police, Kumar asked the group to move aside to avoid inconveniencing the public. He also began recording their activities on his mobile phone to alert the police control room.
When he tried to apprehend one of the youths, he was allegedly struck with an elbow during the ensuing scuffle. The blow caused him to lose his balance and collapse.
A police patrol team rushed him to the Theni Government Medical College Hospital, where he died on Monday. Police said Kumar had a pre-existing heart condition and are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Theni police have arrested three people from the locality in connection with the incident.
With input from media reports.