The Special Investigation Division (SID) constituted by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Monday began its probe into the murder of BJP State general secretary V. Ramesh. He was hacked to death by a gang outside his office here last Friday.
A 30-member team, led by Inspector General of Police M.N. Manjunatha and consisting of T.S. Anbu, Superintendent of Police, and Deputy Superintendents and Inspectors, visited the scene of crime, videographed the office premises, nearby roads and also spoke to the family members of Ramesh.
The team was also learnt to have visited Salem Central Prison to seek details of prisoners involved in murder cases.
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Official sources said the SID would be split into various teams to investigate different angles and complete the probe soon.
Earlier in the day, the team held discussions with City Police Commissioner K.C. Mahali who formally handed over the case details, including the FIR copy.
The Chief Minister constituted the team to also investigate the murder of State secretary of the Hindu Munnai Vellaiyappan on July 1 in Vellore.
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Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) joint general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said the murder of Ramesh was meant to terrorise society. After meeting the family of the slain leader on Monday, Mr. Dattatreya said attacks on prominent leaders in the State were planned and executed by anti-nationals. The Central and the State governments should ensure that such incidents did not recur.
Meanwhile, Raja Rajeswari (43), the BJP functionary who died of the burns she suffered in the self-immolation that she allegedly committed on Sunday in a state of anguish over the murder of Ramesh, was cremated here on Monday after the post-mortem.