CHENNAI, JAN 18
Two suspects, Abdul Shameem and Thoufiq, who were arrested in connection with the murder of special sub-inspector (SSI) of police Y Wilson, 57, at Kaliyakkavilai check-post on the inter-state border in Kannyakumari district on January 8, have been booked under sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Superintendent of Police (SP) of Kannyakumari district N Sreenath said they were booked under three Sections – 13 (punishment for unlawful activities), 18 (punishment for conspiracy, etc.) and 20 (punishment for being member of a terrorist gang or organisation) – of the UAPA for operating against the country.
Earlier, the Kaliyakkavilai police booked the duo under Sections 302 (punishment for murder) and 506(ii) (punishment for criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 7 read with 25(1A) and 25(1B) of the Arms Act for illegal possession of the weapon that was used in the murder.
Police said they were not booked under UAPA earlier as they were yet to ascertain their terror links. Following their arrest and investigation, they have been booked under UAPA also. Police said they will move the Kuzhithurai court in Kannyakumari district on Monday, seeking police custody of the duo.
Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is all set to take over the investigation from the Tamil Nadu police, as the case has been altered to UAPA. “Kannyakumari district police are continuing the investigation and will be taking the accused into custody for interrogation. NIA officials will visit Kaliyakkavilai soon and will take up the case for further investigation within a month,” said a source.
“We will conduct a preliminary inquiry with the arrested duo and will send a report to the ministry of home affairs (MHA). In the report, we will mention the gravity of the case. After getting the order from the MHA, we would take up the case for further investigation on the role of the two Islamic State (IS) cadres in the murder of SSI Wilson,” said an NIA source.
