NIA names 64th accused in 2022 Kerala RSS leader Srinivasan's murder case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against a 64th individual in connection with the murder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader SK Srinivasan in Palakkad, Kerala, in April 2022. The killing was allegedly carried out by members of the banned organisation, the Popular Front of India (PFI).

The supplementary chargesheet, filed before the NIA Special Court in Ernakulam, names Rafeek MS as the 64th person to be formally accused in the case. He has been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The NIA stated that its investigation remains ongoing, with 71 people identified as accused so far, and eight still absconding.

According to the agency, Rafeek MS, described as an active member of the now-banned Popular Front of India, conspired with others involved in the murder and knowingly harboured Muhammed Shefeek, a key conspirator and member of the reconnaissance team. Rafeek is also accused of destroying evidence and continuing to shelter Shefeek even after the organisation was banned by the Government of India in September 2022.

The investigation further revealed that Rafeek had undergone physical and weapons training on multiple occasions at a Popular Front of India centre in Periyar Valley Campus, Aluva, Ernakulam, allegedly as part of preparation for terrorist activities.

The NIA maintains that the murder of Sreenivasan formed part of a broader conspiracy by the Popular Front of India to commit acts of terror in furtherance of its radical agenda.

RSS leader Srinivasan was murdered a day after the killing of Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) activist Subair, who was allegedly hacked to death by RSS workers in Elappully, Palakkad. Srinivasan was attacked and killed at his motorbike shop on April 16, 2022, reportedly in an act of retaliation.