Special police team searches houses of accused in Melapalayam

Raids were conducted at eight places in the presence of revenue officials

A special team conducting a search at the minority help trust office at Melappalayam on Tuesday. Photo: A. Shaikmohideen

A special police team on Tuesday conducted search operations in houses of five persons, accused of possessing explosives, at Melapalayam.

Explosive materials, including 145 electric detonators, were seized on Saturday last.

Shahul Hameed and his accomplice Mohamed Thassim, Anwar Bismi, an auto driver, Noorul Ahmed and Mohamed Samsudeen of Melapalayam were arrested in connection with the incident.

The team, led by Investigating Officer Piraichandran, was involved in the operation conducted in houses and offices located in the vicinity of their dwellings at Melapalayam. The operation commenced around 10.45 a.m. and went on till 1.30 p.m. at eight places in the presence of revenue officials, sources said.

Besides, the special team also launched search operations in the house of Banna Ismail, one of the suspects in the murder of BJP state general secretary, Auditor V. Ramesh (54) in Salem on July 19 and also in Kichan Buhari’s house at the same locality in Tirunelveli. Kichan Buhari is a suspect in Bangalore blast case.

In the wake of the BJP leader’s murder, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had constituted the special investigation division for a thorough probe into the murder.