Farmer shoots dead man attempting to steal sandalwood in Erode

ERODE: A man was shot dead by a farmer early Saturday near Gobichettipalayam in Erode district after being caught attempting to steal sandalwood trees. The victim, identified as 38-year-old Kannan from Modachur, was killed when the farmer, Mohanlal, fired his licensed pistol in self-defense after discovering Kannan inside his compound armed with a sickle.Mohanlal, 50, had heard his dog barking and found Kannan along with two others on his property. The police have arrested the two accomplices for questioning and confirmed that Mohanlal’s firearm was legally registered. The investigation is ongoing.