The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday filed a charge sheet in a special court in Chennai against two persons accused in connection with the murder of Hindu Munanni leader Sasikumar.
In a statement issued, the NIA said charge sheets under various sections of Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act were filed against Sadham alias Sadham Hussain and Subair, both from Coimbatore around 500 km from Chennai.
Sasikumar, a spokesperson of Hindu Munnani was chased and hacked to death in Coimbatore on September 22, 2016. He died while undergoing treatment at the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH).
According to the police, he was returning home on a two-wheeler when a gang chased him on motorcycles and attacked him with sickles. He suffered about 11 cut injuries and was rushed to the CMCH.
Investigation of the case was taken over by SID (Special Investigation Division) CB CID, Coimbatore of Tamil Nadu Police on October 1, 2016, the NIA said.
Considering the gravity of offence, the Union Home Ministry in January this year asked NIA to investigate the case.
According to NIA, its investigation has established that Sadham, Subair and other accused persons, all active members of Popular Front of India (PFI), conspired and killed Sasikumar, brutally to strike terror among a section of people including members of Hindu organisations.
The NIA said investigation against accused persons namely Abu alais Abuthagir, Mubarak alais Mohammed Mubarak and others are on.
There was widespread violence in Coimbatore following Sasikumar's murder in September. The murder also led to religious tensions in the city. Miscreants reportedly threw petrol bombs at mosques causing panic, following which police protection was provided to all places of worship.
Schools and other educational institutions had to be shut in most parts of the city due to the protests, and most shops in the districts remain shut.
IANS inputs