NIA Targets PFI Network in Tamil Nadu; 1 Arrest Amid Ramalingam Probe

August 21, 2025

Chennai: The National Investigation Agency conducted searches at nine locations in Tamil Nadu and arrested a hotel proprietor in connection with sheltering fugitives linked to the 2019 murder of Ramalingam, a case associated with the banned PFI.

Accused and arrest details
Imthathullah, owner of Ambur Biryani Hotels in Kodaikanal, was picked up from Dindigul district after allegedly harboring three proclaimed offenders since 2021. Investigators seized documents and digital devices during coordinated raids in Dindigul and Tenkasi districts.

Fugitives sheltered
The three fugitives said to be sheltered by Imthathullah include Abdul Majeed and Shahul Hameed, who were previously arrested by the NIA on January 25 this year. The third, Mohammed Ali Jinna, remains at large. The NIA continues to pursue the remaining absconding suspects.

Context of the Ramalingam case
Ramalingam, a PMK functionary, was murdered in Kumbakonam in February 2019 after an encounter with PFI activists. The NIA took over the case from Tamil Nadu police in March 2019 and filed a chargesheet in August 2019 against 18 accused before a special NIA court in Poonamallee, Chennai.

Charges and current status
Six of the accused were declared absconders at the time of the chargesheet. Rahman Sadiq was arrested in 2021, while Abdul Majeed and Shahul were traced to Poombarai in Kodaikanal last year. In November 2024, the NIA arrested another harbourer, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, named as the 19th accused.

Rewards and ongoing investigations
A reward of ₹5 lakh has been announced for information leading to the arrest of Jinna, along with Burhanudeen and Nafeel Hasan from Thanjavur district, who previously served as PFI office bearers. The NIA says it remains committed to locating the remaining fugitives.

Background on the PFI
The Popular Front of India, banned by the Centre in September 2022 for alleged terror-related activities, is accused by the NIA of running radicalisation campaigns and funding violence in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and other states.