Photos of Sasikumar case suspects released

Police said CCTV footage showed the five persons had taken refreshments at a bakery, about 8 km ahead of the murder spot, around 10 pm, shortly before the killing of Hindu Munnani functionary C Sasikumar and their movements appeared suspicious.They said any information by public on the five persons could lead to solving the murder case. 

On September 22, 36-year-old Sasikumar, district spokesperson of the Hindu Munnani, was returning home in Subramaniam Palayam, on the outskirts of the city on a two-wheeler when four motorbikes-borne unidentified persons chased him and fatally attacked him with sickles around 11.30 pm. 

The murder had triggered violent protests in Coimbatore, while several BJP senior leaders had condemned the incident, saying that of late Hindu outfit leaders were being targeted in TN. 

Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan, who visited the family of slain Sasikumar a couple of days ago, said, “The police provided protection to Sasikumar for one year and had withdrawn it 15 days ago, which resulted in his murder. If the police had given protection, the family members and the Hindu fraternity would not have suffered this setback. It is time that police take serious steps and arrest the killers. The police should also take steps to prevent such incidents in future and provide protection to Hindu leaders.”

The Minister also said that the funeral procession of Sasikumar that started from the Coimbatore Medical College has turned violent when it reached a place of worship when a group of persons reportedly started throwing stones, and the situation was later brought under control by the police.