Remand extended in Ramalingam murder case

In his order, special court judge P Chenthoorpandi said that the court was satisfied with the report of the special public prosecutor and observed that the court felt that the 90- day period mandatory by the Code of Criminal Procedure and has to be extended further by another 90 days as provided under Section 43D (2) (b) of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

This step has been taken in the interest of justice and provide an opportunity to the current investigation agency to conduct the enquiry effectively.

The special public prosecutor’s report said that the perusal of the connected records and the case diary files presented showed that the NIA investigation needs to go further and cannot be completed within the 90- day period.

The report also indicated the progress of investigation and the specific reasons for the further detention of accused persons in custody.

It has to be kept in mind that that the interest of justice has to be safeguarded not only in respect of the persons accused but also in respect of the state in order to bring the truth to into light, observed the judge, adding that denying further time to the investigation agency under the circumstances is nothing but denying the opportunity provided under law.

Ramalingam was allegedly killed hours after he protested against promoting alleged forcible conversion of local people to Islam in Vinyaga Thoppu village in Thanjavur on February 5.

He had asked the preacher not to indulge in such activity and asked them to give respect to other religion. During a quarrel that followed, he allegedly removed taqiyah worn by one the Islam preacher and put thiruneer (holy ash) on the forehead of the man. He was murdered on the same night in front of his son.

The case was initially probed by the local police and later transferred to NIA.