A 36-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly hurled a sickle inside the court premises in Srivilliputhur ahead of the verdict in his maintenance case.
Police identified the accused as Balamurugan, son of Kilimuthu, a daily wage labourer from Chengulam village near Srivilliputhur. He has been living separately from his wife Thangamuneeswari (28) for the past three years. The couple has a three-year-old child.
Thangamuneeswari had filed a petition before the Family Court in Srivilliputhur seeking divorce and maintenance. The case has been pending for nearly two years. As the post of Family Court Judge is currently vacant, the Additional District Judge dealing with Prevention of Atrocities cases has been holding additional charge.
According to police, the verdict in the maintenance case was scheduled to be delivered on February 17. On Monday morning, while proceedings were under way in the Special Court for SC/ST cases, Balamurugan allegedly entered the premises and threw a sickle inside the court hall.
Police personnel on duty immediately overpowered him and took him into custody. Based on a complaint lodged by court staff Murugaiah, the Srivilliputhur Town Police registered a case under sections including criminal intimidation and attempt to murder.
Preliminary inquiry suggests that Balamurugan believed the verdict had gone against him and acted in a fit of anger. Further investigation is under way.
