TN couple who chased away armed robbers get bravery award

An elderly couple from Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli became an internet sensation after a video of them fighting armed robbers went viral. They received a bravery award from the state for their valour.

Chennai: Shanmugavel and his 65-year-old wife, who became internet sensations following their bravery and courage in chasing away armed robbers, received 'Veera Dheera Virudhu,' the bravery award on the occasion of Independence Day.

The elderly Tamil Nadu couple had fought off two masked intruders using plastic chairs and a pair of slippers!

Shanmugavelu even wielded the broken leg of the plastic chair as a weapon against the robbers, who had to retreat following the couple's counterattack.

Following the incident, the District Collector of Tirunelveli had recommended their name for state bravery award.

During the Independence Day celebration, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami honoured them with the bravery award.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Shanmugavel said, " We are so happy to get the award from our honourable Chief Minister. I don't think anyone else has ever faced a similar issue."

"It is very safe to use CCTV cameras in your locality," Shanmugavel opined.

Read: Elderly TN couple chase away armed robbers with slippers and plastic chairs!