A court here has awarded double life imprisonment to a two-wheeler mechanic who fatally knocked down a Sub-Inspector of Police.According to prosecution, two-wheeler mechanic R. Murugavel, 44, of Korkai intersection near Vazhavallan in the district was creating a ruckus in shops in Eral Bazaar on January 31, 2021, under the influence of alcohol. Pon Subbaiah, a police constable attached to Eral police station, came to the spot and seized Murugavel’s two-wheeler. He took the vehicle to the Eral police station.Sub-Inspector Balu, 55, registered a case and asked Murugavel to come to the police station the next day for an inquiry and get his vehicle back.When Balu and Pon Subbaiah were conducting a vehicle check in Korkai Nalumukku area later in the night, they found Murugavel roaming in a mini cargo vehicle around 12.45 a.m.As Balu shouted at an inebriated Murugavel and asked him to go home, he hit the policemen’s bike with the stolen mini cargo vehicle. While Balu, who was riding the two-wheeler, was killed on the spot, pillion rider Pon Subbaiah suffered grievous injuries. The Eral police arrested Murugavel.Second Additional Sessions Court Magistrate Preetha on Tuesday awarded life imprisonment to Murugavel for fatally knocking down Balu. She also handed over another life imprisonment for attempting to murder Pon Subbaiah, and slapped a fine of ₹10,000 on him. The life imprisonments will run concurrently. Published - July 21, 2026 09:55 pm IST