In Kalamassery bus burning case, NIA arrests key accused

The arrest of an absconding accused in connection with the Kalamassery bus burning case has provided a shot in the arm for the National Investigation Agency.

The NIA arrested Palliyakathu Shefeeq, a resident of Kannur. He was picked up after he was deported from Saudi Arabia. There was an Interpol notice, Look our Circular and non-bailable arrest warrant pending against him.

On September 9, 2005, a government of Tamil Nadu bus was hijacked and set on fire at the Kalamassery police station limits in Ernakulam.

The accused in the case were identified as T Nazeer and others who were demanding the release of their leader, Abdul Nazar Madani who was lodged in the Coimbatore jail at that time.

Following investigations, the NIA chargeseeted 18 persons including Shefeeq for criminal conspiracy, damage to public property among other charges. Shefeeq who was arrested at the New Delhi airport was taken on transit remand to Kerala for further investigation.