NIA chargesheets four former PFI cadres for harbouring accused in Ramalingam murder case

Chennai: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted four former cadres of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) for allegedly harbouring proclaimed offenders linked to the 2019 murder of Ramalingam.

In a chargesheet filed before the Special NIA Court in Poonamallee on Saturday, the agency named K Mohideen, Mohamed Imran, Thameem Ansari and Asmath. The accused have been charged under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for allegedly sheltering assailants and conspirators involved in the murder.

Ramalingam was killed on Feb 5, 2019, in Thirubhuvanam after he reportedly opposed attempts at religious conversion. The agency said its investigation revealed that the four accused had knowingly sheltered proclaimed offenders Mohamed Burhanudeen and Mohamed Nabil Hassan for nearly six years despite being aware of their alleged role in the murder.

The NIA had earlier chargesheeted 18 accused, including six absconding proclaimed offenders, in the case. Four of the proclaimed offenders were subsequently arrested, while two other alleged harbourers were chargesheeted in 2025 and 2026.