In an instance of shocking apathy, a sub-inspector of Tamil Nadu police, brutally attacked by a gang in Tirunelveli district, bled to death, as his cry for help went in vain, even after two ministers with their convoy stopped by and saw his plight.

44-year old Vetrivel, who was a member of the Special Task Force that gunned down forest brigand Veerappan in 2004, lay in a pool of blood with his leg severed, and begged for help after the attack by the gang at Alwarkuruchi, shortly before the ministerial convoy was to pass by last evening, eyewitnesses said.

Health minister MRK Panneerselvam and youth and sports development minister Mohideen Khan, along with officials, including the district collector, halted their convoy on seeing the profusely bleeding police official battling for life on the road.

Eyewitnesses said Vetrivel was screaming for help, but did not get assistance in time from the ministers and accompanying officials.

Though later taken to a hospital, Vetrivel, who got a double promotion for being part of STF that gunned down forest brigand Veerappan, succumbed to injuries.

However, state health secretary VK Subburaj, who was part of the convoy, denied any insensitivity on the part of the ministers and officials, and said Panneerselvam had got down from his car and had gone near Vetrivel.