The Crime Branch-CID has invoked provisions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, against the three terror suspects — ‘Police’ Fakruddin, Panna Ismail and Bilal Malik.
This means the agency can seek a 30-day custodial interrogation of the suspects and also take 180 days to file the charge sheet.
Sources in State intelligence said CB-CID had invoked Section 13 (punishment for unlawful activities), 16 (punishment for terrorist act) and 18 (punishment for conspiracy) of the Act and handed over the case to deputy superintendent of police, N. Venkataraman, for further investigation.
The agency has alleged the involvement of the suspects in a series of major crimes in different parts of the State in recent years.
“Besides the plot to blow up the convoy of senior BJP leader L.K. Advani near Madurai and three other sensational murders, Fakruddin and Malik are wanted in many other cases. Since it would be risky to transport them to various courts across Tamil Nadu, we may seek the constitution of a special court to try these cases,” a special investigation division officer said.
He said the State government had powers to establish a special court under the provisions of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act. The agency also wishes to propose to the government that Section 268 of CrPC be invoked and special directions be issued to detain the suspects in prison until further orders.
“We may approach the Madras High Court to transfer all cases to one court located within a 25-km radius of the prison. Fakruddin was part of the gang that opened fire on the police and helped dreaded extremists Imam Ali and Hyder Ali escape from custody at Tirumangalam police station in Madurai district on March 7, 2002,” the officer said.
CM visits injured policeman
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa visited inspector S. Lakshmanan who is admitted to a private hospital in the city. The officer was attacked by Ismail and Malik when he tried to apprehend them in their hideout in Puttur on Saturday.
The Chief Minister praised Mr. Lakshmanan’s bravery and said the State was proud of him. She presented a cheque for Rs. 15 lakh to his wife and assured the family of all assistance. The cost of Mr. Lakshmanan’s treatment will be borne by the Government.
