Ex-service man stabs cop on election duty, held

Trichy: A head constable on election duty was stabbed by an ex-serviceman at a polling station in Mayiladuthurai district on Thursday. The accused, who has a history of attacking police personnel, was arrested.The suspect, R Prabhakaran, 52, a retired Army man from Kattucheri village near Sembanarkoil, allegedly attacked G Vignesh, 37, a head constable attached to Kuthalam police station, who had been deployed at Jamalia Middle School polling station (Booth No. 324) in Poompuhar constituency. Around 11am, Prabhakaran entered the polling station and, on noticing Vignesh in uniform, suddenly pulled out a knife and slashed his neck, besides stabbing him on both hands. Vignesh sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Poraiyar Government Hospital, where he was given first aid and stitches, before being referred to Mayiladuthurai Government Hospital. Superintendent of police G Stalin visited the injured constable at the hospital. "The suspect appears to harbour strong hatred towards police personnel and dislikes seeing anyone in uniform. He had attacked a special sub-inspector in a similar manner a few years ago and is currently facing trial," he said. Poraiyar police arrested Prabhakaran and booked him under Sections 109 (attempt to murder) and 118 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police said further legal action would be taken to ensure strict punishment.