A 52-year-old man was arrested for allegedly opening fire on his son with a country-made gun after the latter reportedly assaulted his mother with a knife during a quarrel over money to buy alcohol in Mamallapuram.

The son suffered bullet injuries to both knees and was admitted to Chengalpattu Government Hospital. The police have initiated legal action against him for attacking his mother with the knife.

The incident — involving Shekhar, his wife Mala, 50, and their son Prabhakaran, 25 — took place at the Narikuravar settlement in Poonchery near Mamallapuram.

Police sources said Prabhakaran had allegedly been picking up frequent arguments with his mother over the past month, demanding money to purchase alcohol. On Friday night, another dispute reportedly broke out at their residence. During the altercation, Prabhakaran allegedly pulled out a knife from his bag and attacked Mala, injuring her hand, before fleeing.

Residents in the neighbourhood rushed Mala to a government hospital for treatment. After receiving information about the incident, the Mamallapuram police visited the house and launched an inquiry. They recorded Mala’s statement at the hospital.

During the course of the investigation, Prabhakaran reportedly came to the hospital. However, he allegedly left the premises after noticing the presence of police personnel. When he came to know of this, Shekhar is said to have gone home, taken a country-made firearm and returned in search of his son.

According to the police, Shekhar later traced Prabhakaran to the Maruthu temple area and allegedly fired at him, injuring him below the knees. On hearing the gunshots, the police went to the location and found Prabhakaran injured.

He was admitted to the Chengalpattu Government Hospital for further treatment. Mala was also shifted to the same hospital.

Meanwhile, the police moved to secure Shekhar, who allegedly attempted to escape after spotting officers in the area. Following a brief chase, the police team managed to apprehend him.