Authorities have apprehended Imthiaz, the primary suspect in the petrol bomb attack at Alangar Theatre in Melapalayam. The incident occurred in the early hours of 16 November 2024, during the screening of the movie Amaran. ‘Unknown’ individuals hurled three petrol bombs at the theatre. Fortunately, no injuries or significant property damage were reported. Initially, the local police, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Vijayakumar, investigated the case and detained two individuals.
Subsequently, the investigation was handed over to the Anti-Terrorism Squad. A special team, led by SP Ramesh Krishnan, conducted a detailed inquiry in the Melapalayam area.
The investigation uncovered that the attack on the theatre screening Amaran was ideologically motivated. The prime suspect, identified as 42-year-old Imthiyas from Al-Amin Nagar in Melapalayam, was believed to have orchestrated the attack. Authorities confirmed that he was affiliated with a terrorist organization and had additional cases pending against him.
Imthiaz had been evading arrest and was finally captured in Athur, located in the Tuticorin district. Earlier arrests in connection with the bombing included Syed Mohammed Buhari, Mohammed Yusuf Rasheen, Kola Badusha, Sirajuddin, and Nisar, all from Melapalayam.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focused on uncovering further links to the incident and related networks.
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
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