NIA Arrests 5 in 2019 Ramalingam Murder, Nabs 2 Long-Wanted Proclaimed Offenders

Overview

• Proclaimed offenders Mohamed Burhanudeen and Mohamed Nabil Hasan were captured in Pallikonda, Vellore district, after nearly seven years on the run, the NIA said.
• Three Chennai residents — K. Mohideen, Mohamed Imran and Thameem Ansari — were arrested for allegedly facilitating the concealment and movement of the absconders.
• The agency said five of the proclaimed offenders have now been arrested, while one, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, is still at large.
• NIA took over the case on March 7, 2019 and filed a chargesheet in August 2019 after six accused were declared proclaimed offenders with Rs 5 lakh rewards announced for each.
• Investigators allege PFI members orchestrated the February 5, 2019 killing to instil communal fear, as the group was later banned under the UAPA on September 28, 2022; earlier searches in August led to a harbouring arrest and seizures of documents and devices.