NIA Raids Nine Locations in Tamil Nadu in Connection with 2019 Murder Case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India's primary counter-terrorist task force, conducted raids at nine locations across Tamil Nadu. The searches are connected to the ongoing investigation into the 2019 murder of Ramalingam, a local activist. The NIA took over the case due to suspected terror links and the involvement of organised extremist groups. This action is part of the agency's efforts to uncover the wider conspiracy and track down remaining suspects in the five-year-old case.
Unpacked:
Ramalingam was a local activist and PMK (Pattali Makkal Katchi) functionary in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. He was targeted and murdered in February 2019 after opposing alleged religious conversion attempts by members of the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI).
The main organizations suspected are the Popular Front of India (PFI), which is now banned, and its political wing, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). The NIA alleges the murder was carried out by PFI and SDPI members.
Since taking over in March 2019, the NIA has charge-sheeted 18 people, arrested several accused, and continues to search for others. Recent raids led to the arrest of Imthathullah for harboring absconders, with cash rewards announced for information on remaining fugitives.
The NIA assumed control due to the suspected involvement of organized extremist groups and possible terror links, which fall under its mandate to investigate offenses affecting national security and inter-state ramifications.