BJP leader's murder: Role of accused in earlier pipe bomb case suspected

Chennai: Investigations into the murder of BJP state Secretary V Ramesh has led police to suspect the involvement of two people allegedly involved in planting of a ‘pipe bomb’ during party leader LK Advani’s visit to Madurai in 2011. Police today released photographs of three suspects in the 19 July murder, including that of Bilal Malik and Fakruddin alias ‘police Fakruddin’ (both from Madurai).  The other suspect has been identified as one Panna Ismail alias Ismail of Melapalayam in Tirunelveli. However, an official police release said the trio are wanted in many criminal cases in Tamil Nadu. Any information given about their whereabouts by the public would be kept highly confidential, it said. Police had discovered a pipe bomb from under a bridge and defused it on 27 October, 2011 at Alampatti village, about 30 km from Madurai on the route of Advani’s ‘Jan Chetna yatra.’ Subsequently, the BJP leader’s route was diverted. Ramesh (52) was hacked to death while he was returning home after visiting the BJP office on Friday night in Salem. His murder sparked an outrage in the party which gave a call for a state-wide bandh on 22 July. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today constituted a Special Investigation Team under the Director General of Police (CB-CID) to probe the case. The murder evoked widespread condemnation from political parties across the spectrum, including AIADMK, DMK, CPI(M), PMK and DMK demanded quick arrest of those responsible. Congress had on Saturday condoled the incident. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, expressing shock over the murder, said crimes, irrespective of whether they are politically motivated or otherwise, have no place in civilised society and should be rooted out by stern and strong measures. DMK chief M Karunanidhi extended his condolences to the family members of Ramesh and alleged that political murders have been increasing in the state. CPI(M) state president G Ramakrishnan demanded action to ensure ensure such incidents do not recur in future. MDMK leader Vaiko said he knew Ramesh well and recalled there had been a bomb attack on him about six years back. His house was also attacked in 2011, he said. PMK founder leader S Ramadoss extended support to BJP’s bandh call and alleged those responsible for political murders earlier have not yet been brought to book. PTI