Salem: In a shocking attempted robbery just 100 metres from the Athur Town police station in Tamil Nadu's Salem district, two men attacked a jewellery shop owner and his staff with acid and tried to flee with gold, only to be heroically caught by the public.
As per a report by Dinamalar TV, the incident took place at around 8:45 pm in Athur’s Kadayeethi area, where Vaitheeswaran runs AVS Jewellers. Two men entered the shop posing as customers. While Vaitheeswaran, his wife Selva Lakshmi, and employee Vasanthi were showing them jewellery, one of the assailants suddenly hurled acid on them.
Here's What Happened
As panic broke out, the men tried to snatch 80 sovereigns of gold from the drawer. When Vaitheeswaran resisted, they reportedly poured acid on the jewellery and pulled out a gun, threatening the victims before attempting to flee the scene.
Despite his injuries, Vaitheeswaran managed to catch hold of one of the attackers inside the shop, preventing him from escaping with the loot.
How Locals Caught Armed Robbers
The second suspect sprinted through the shopping street, revolver in hand, threatening anyone who came in his way. However, alert locals sprang into action, chasing him down for nearly a kilometre before overpowering and disarming him.
Both suspects were handed over to Athur Town police, who arrived swiftly at the scene. The police also recovered the revolver used in the attempted robbery and have launched an investigation into the identities and background of the attackers.
The victims are reported to be recovering, though shaken. The brazen attack so close to the police station has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Locals are being hailed for their courage and swift action in preventing a potentially tragic outcome and assisting law enforcement.
