Major Breakthrough in 2022 Political Murder Case
The National Investigation Agency has made another significant arrest in the high-profile murder case of RSS leader K S Sreenivasan, bringing the total number of accused individuals to fifty-five.
In a major development that sheds new light on the 2022 killing, Shahul Hameed of Palakkad was taken into custody by federal investigators. The arrest marks a crucial step forward in the ongoing probe into what authorities describe as a politically motivated assassination.
International Capture and Court Proceedings
Investigative sources revealed that Hameed was apprehended immediately after his flight from Oman landed at New Delhi's international airport. Following his detention in the capital, he was transferred to Kochi to face formal legal proceedings.
The accused made his first appearance before the special NIA court in Kochi on Friday, where judicial custody was ordered until December 1. This extended remand will allow investigators sufficient time to conduct thorough interrogations and gather additional evidence.
Details of the Crime and Conspiracy
The brutal murder that sparked this extensive investigation occurred on April 16, 2022, at Melamuri Junction in Palakkad. Sreenivasan, a prominent local RSS leader, was killed in what investigators now believe was part of a larger pattern of communal violence.
According to the NIA's charges, Shahul Hameed played a dual role in the conspiracy. He is accused of not only participating in the planning of the murder but also actively assisting the prime suspect in evading capture after the violent incident.
The investigation has uncovered evidence suggesting the murder was orchestrated by the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI), which authorities have linked to multiple incidents of communal violence across the region.
Security agencies had issued a lookout notice against Hameed, anticipating his potential return to India from Oman. This proactive measure directly led to his capture at the airport, preventing him from disappearing into the population.
Expanding Investigation and Future Implications
With Hameed becoming the 55th person arrested in connection with Sreenivasan's murder, this case represents one of the most extensive investigations conducted by the NIA in recent years. The growing number of accused individuals underscores the complexity of the alleged conspiracy.
The continued arrests in this case demonstrate the NIA's persistent efforts to unravel the complete network behind the political murder. Each new development brings investigators closer to understanding the full scope of the operation and identifying all individuals involved in planning and executing the crime.
As the judicial process moves forward, security agencies remain vigilant about potential retaliatory actions and continue to monitor individuals with suspected links to banned organizations operating in the region.
