The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended a significant fugitive associated with the banned organization Popular Front of India (PFI) for his alleged involvement in the 2022 murder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Srinivasan in Kerala. Identified as Shafeekh, the accused had been evading authorities since the crime took place in April 2022. He was arrested on Monday from the Kollam district of Kerala.
According to the NIA, Shafeekh, a resident of Malappuram, was actively involved in the orchestrated killing of Srinivasan and played a crucial role within the PFI network and its operational units responsible for carrying out such targeted attacks.
Investigations have revealed that Shafeekh provided shelter to another accused, Ashraf KP, who, acting upon directives from PFI leadership, conspired with other members to execute the murder plot. Ashraf had also conducted reconnaissance of various potential targets for elimination.
Srinivasan fell victim to a gang attack on April 16, 2022, in Palakkad district, Kerala. A total of 71 individuals were implicated in the murder, leading to the NIA filing two chargesheets in March and November 2023, respectively.
Among the accused, Abdul Naser passed away in January 2023, while two fugitives, Saheer KV, and Jaffar Bheemantavida, were arrested in October 2023 and February 2024, respectively.
