NIA carries out searches at 20 of PFI in connection with a murder case investigation

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday carried out searches at 20 of Popular Front of India (PFI) at Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Trichy and Karaikal in connection with investigation into a murder case. Searches were conducted in the houses of the arrested accused, absconding accused persons and four offices of PFI, the agency said.

The case relates to murder of 41 year old Ramalingam, a resident of Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu in February this year. “As part of a well hatched conspiracy accused persons attacked him with lethal weapons like billhook and knives causing grievous cut injuries on both of his hands, due to which he succumbed to his injuries,” NIA said.

The case was first investigated by Thanjavur Police which arrested 10 accused. Six are still absconding and they are all active members and office bearers of PFI. During searches, a number of digital devices including mobile phones, SIM cards, laptops, have been seized. The agency further claimed that sword, sharp edged knife and cash of Rs 2 Lakhs were also recovered from 3 different houses.