CHENNAI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday arrested two more absconding accused in connection with the 2019 Ramalingam murder case.
Abdul Majeeth and Shahul Hameed of Thanjavur district, who were among the six declared proclaimed offenders by the special court carrying a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh each, were secured from their hideout.
NIA said that the duo were members of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and had conspired with other accused persons near the Periyapalli mosque in Thirubhuvanam on February 5, 2019, to chop the hands of Ramalingam with the intent to create fear among the people and spread communal hatred.
NIA, which took over the investigation from the Tamil Nadu police in March 2019, had chargesheeted 18 accused before the NIA Special Court, Chennai.
In 2021, NIA had arrested one of the six absconders, identified as Rahman Sadiq. In November 2024, the agency had traced Abdul Majeeth and Shahul Hameed to the Poombarai area of Kodaikanal, Dindigul district, and arrested one harbourer, Mohammed Ali Jinah, who was the 19th accused identified in the case. Jinah was later remanded to judicial custody.
Abdul and Shahul, who escaped then, were traced and arrested on Saturday. Further investigation is on to ascertain the whereabouts of three more absconding proclaimed offenders.
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