The Salem police have killed a dangerous gangster Kathirvel in an encounter in Chengam and a search is on for his henchmen Anandhan and two others who escaped after shooting and hurting two cops.

Recently a girl walking alone in Salem was abducted by a gang of four who molested her, videotaped it and blackmailed her. On a complaint, the police arrested the men but on a tip-off from a roadside snacks seller Ganesan, it was found that dreaded gangsters Anandan and Kathirvel were involved.

The gangsters then murdered Ganesan and have been absconding for a while. Salem SP Deepa has stated that the gang was hiding in Chengam and was arrested and were taken to a location where they had concealed weapons. The gang suddenly opened fire and the policemen had no choice but shoot back in self-defense.