Need to probe if accused have ties with ISIS, NIA tells court

The NIA, probing the murder case of Ramalingam, who opposed the alleged bid to convert people to Islam, has submitted in a court here there was a need to probe if the accused were involved with terror outfits like ISIS.

Seeking extension of detention for 10 of the 16 accused men upto 180 days under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the National Investigation Agency submitted in a Special Court for NIA Cases that the nature of assault against him and injury sustained warranted a further probe.

The murder happened in a 'Jihadi' way by severing his hand and hence there may be a possibility of the accused being trained in some terror outfit, the probe agency contended.

While 10 accused men are in judicial custody, six others are absconding.

The NIA in its plea said: "The way of injury is similar to the attack of Jihad activities as found in similar cases which were reported in several states.

Therefore investigation needs to be probed further whether these assailants have any involvement with ISIS or any other terror organisation."