Five Arrested For Murder Of Activist Who Resisted Religious Conversion By Suspected Radical Islamists In Dalit Locality

Five arrests have been made in connection with the murder of social activist Ramalingam, who was killed soon after resisting religious conversion attempts by suspected radical Islamists in a Dalit neighbourhood, News Today has reported.

Those arrested have been identified as S Nijam Ali, Sarbudeen, Rizwan, Mohamed Azarudeen and Mohamed Raiyaz.

This incident happened in Tamil Nadu’s Tirubhuvanam near the temple town of Kumbakonam on Wednesday (6 February).

It was reported that a day earlier (5 February) Ramalingam noticed a group of men said to be belonging to the radical Islamic organisation Popular Front of India (PFI), proselytising in a Dalit dominated neighbourhood.

He entered into an argument with them following which they dispersed. In a video which captured the incident, Ramalingam was seen resisting the proselytising efforts of a Muslim man at Packiyanathan Thoppu.

A day later (6 February) he was reportedly going home from Chettimandapam, in his mini-load van, accompanied by his 17-year-old son.

When the vehicle was passing through Muslim dominated locality in Tirubhuvanam, it was blocked by a car. A four member gang came out of the car and attacked Ramalingam’s hands with sharp weapons before fleeing.

A greviously injured Ramalingam was rushed to the Kumbakonam government hospital. He was later referred to Thanjavur Medical College Hospital where he was declared brought dead.

Subsequently a case of murder was registered at the Tiruvidaimarudur police station.