THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the murder of former RJ Rajesh aka ‘Rasikan’ Rajesh have now got in touch with the Qatar Police to get the expat, who allegedly ordered the ‘hit job’, extradited from the emirate. Top police sources confirmed efforts are on to ensure the deportation of Abdul Sathar from Doha. The move comes barely 24 hours after B Sanu, a private bus conductor based in Vallikeezhu in Kollam district, was arrested for allegedly harbouring the accused. Sources also said the police got some vital leads from Sanu.
Besides, Doha’s help has been sought to track down ‘Alibhai aka Salih Bin Jalal, the alleged mastermind, believed to be in hiding in Qatar. Since the SIT is yet to arraign Sathar, the SIT requested the authorities in the emirate to deport him to India as a ‘ murder case suspect’. Alibhai had fled to Qatar via Nepal shortly after the murder. Three of the culprits, including Appunni, are still on the run, sources said.
Investigating Officer(IO) P Anilkumar, to whom Express spoke, remained tight-lipped saying disclosing the details at this stage could well jeopardise the ongoing probe.“ We can’t divulge investigation related details. Appuni -one of the accused- from Chennai managed to elude arrest after he got wind of the police moves from the media. So all we can tell now is the culprits will be nabbed soon,” the IO said.
4 persons taken into custody
In another development later in the day, four persons were taken into custody on suspicion of assisting the culprits to go into hiding. They were taken into custody from Mankulam in Idukki district. So far no arrests have been recorded and they are being interrogated in the capital.