Status: clearedChennai: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) chargesheeted Mohammed Ali Jinnah of Batlagundu, Dindigul district, for allegedly harbouring proclaimed offenders (POs) in the 2019 Ramalingam murder case. The chargesheet was filed on Friday before the NIA Special Court in Chennai.Jinnah is accused of providing shelter to six absconding assailants and conspirators in the case, who evaded arrest since the incident.The NIA said that he gave refuge to the POs in a cottage, helping them avoid law enforcement for nearly six years.The case pertains to the killing of Ramalingam in February 2019 in Thanjavur district, allegedly by members of the now-bannedPopular Front of India(PFI). Ramalingam reportedly opposed the group’s attempts at forcible religious conversions, leading to his murder. The incident triggered widespread outrage and led to the NIA taking over the probe in March 2019.In its initial chargesheet filed in August 2019, the NIA named 18 individuals, six of whom were absconding and later declared POs. Jinnah’s arrest in November 2024 followed the agency’s continued efforts to track down those who assisted the fugitives.Three of the six POs were arrested between 2021 and January 2025.A search continues for the remaining three. Authorities have offered a reward of ₹5 lakh each for information leading to their capture.The NIA’s latest move underscores its commitment to dismantling support networks aiding absconding accused in terror and extremist-related cases. MSID:: 121057555 413 |