Two criminals held

Two brothers wanted in several
cases were today arrested at the foothills of Nagaramalai near here after a hot chase, police said.
Murali and Karthikeyan were wanted in several cases including murder, and were absconding, Salem City Police Commissioner A.Amalraj said.
The two, who were on motorcycles, tried to escape but fell into a 30-feet deep ravine. Murali whipped out a pistol and tried to fire at police but was overpowered, police said.
Both sustained fractures in the legs and have been admitted to hospital.
Police seized the pistol, five bullets which Murali had in his possession, and Rs 7.5 lakh in cash and two motorcycles.

Police were maintaining vigil after two of the brothers' accomplices, Subramaniyam and Veeraaghavan, were arrested last night in connection with the robbery of a bag containing Rs 15 lakh from a merchant, police said. The duo had told police that the brothers were likely to visit the foothills.
Police are searching for two other accomplices who are absconding.