Encounter Killing of 'Seizing' Raja: A Tale of Police and Politics

'Seizing' Raja, a proclaimed offender arrested from Andhra Pradesh, was shot dead while attempting to flee custody. This incident has sparked criticism from politicians who view it as a sign of bad policing. Raja had 39 criminal cases against him and was involved in multiple encounters with law enforcement.

'Seizing' Raja, a notorious criminal with 39 serious cases including six murders, was killed by police on Monday in Chennai during an escape attempt. Arrested in Andhra Pradesh, Raja tried to flee during a weapons recovery mission and shot at police. Responding in self-defense, an officer fired back, resulting in Raja's death.

Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram condemned the incident, calling it a result of bad policing and akin to vigilante justice. Raja, infamous for seizing vehicles for loan recovery, had previously been jailed eight times and faced multiple warrants. At the time of his death, he was under the Goondas Act.

Political figures have criticized the state's law enforcement, highlighting this as the third such encounter in Chennai since July. The body has been sent for autopsy while the debate over policing methods and justice continues.

(With inputs from agencies.)