Fri Mar 21 05:35:38 UTC 2025: **Chennai Police Shoot Notorious Criminal in Leg During Weapon Recovery Attempt**
CHENNAI, March 21, 2025 – A history-sheeter known as “High Court” Maharaja was shot in the leg by police early Friday morning during an attempt to recover weapons. The 34-year-old, with over a dozen criminal cases against him including murder and kidnapping, was apprehended Thursday evening in Tirunelveli following a manhunt.
Police claim Maharaja, who was being questioned in connection with a foiled kidnapping and murder plot targeting a Chennai jeweler, attacked officers and attempted to escape while they were recovering a bike containing concealed weapons in Guindy. A sub-inspector fired on Maharaja in self-defense, according to police. The suspect was subsequently apprehended and is receiving treatment at Government Royapettah Hospital for his leg injury. The police vehicle sustained damage during the incident.
Maharaja’s arrest is linked to the apprehension of three other gang members from Thoothukudi. The gang allegedly planned to either kidnap or rob the jeweler. Police allege Maharaja used proceeds from past crimes, including a Madurai kidnapping reportedly instigated by the estranged wife of an out-of-state IAS officer, to purchase a luxury car and a hotel, which he later sold. The investigation is ongoing.
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