In a major breakthrough in investigations into the murder of former radio jockey Rajesh alias Rasikan Rajesh, the police have arrested two of the prime suspects who were allegedly directly involved in the crime.
They were identified as Mohammed Salih alias Ali Bhai, 26, of Oachira, and Thanseer, 26, of Karunagappally. Mohammed Salih, who is the first accused in the case, was apprehended soon after he landed at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport from Qatar around 9 a.m. on Tuesday.
The police had earlier issued look-out notices at all airports and other transit points across the country. The Kerala Police had also established contact with Interpol as well as Ali Bhai’s sponsor in Qatar to secure his custody.
The sleuths believe that Mohammed Salih along with Thanseer and one Appunni, who is yet to be nabbed, had murdered Rajesh, while others, including the three persons who were arrested earlier, assisted them by providing safe refuge and facilitating their escape.
According to Attingal Dy. SP P. Anilkumar, both the accused have confessed to their alleged roles in the crime.
“Mohammed Salih has admitted that he had led the crime at the behest of Qatar-based businessman Abdul Sathar, who is also among those accused,” he said. The officer said both the accused would be produced in court on Wednesday.
The findings of the probe had strengthened the suspicion that the murder had been spurred by an extramarital affair that Rajesh had with a dance teacher, who was the ex-wife of Abdul Sathar.
It was only a few months ago that Rajesh had returned to Kerala after quitting his job as an RJ in a radio station in Qatar.
Rajesh was hacked to death during the early hours of March 27, a short while after he along with his friend Kuttan returned to his recording studio at Madavoor, near Kilimanoor, from a programme at a temple nearby.
