The Hindu : `Police narrowly missed Imam Ali'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, May 23, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

`Police narrowly missed Imam Ali'

By Our Staff Reporter

MADURAI MAY 22. Nearly three months after the escape of the Jihad Committee activist, Imam Ali, from police custody at Tirumangalam here, a special team has claimed to have stormed a hideout in Tuticorin district barely hours after he fled with his associates.

``We missed him (Imam Ali) by a few hours at Chettimoolampatti near Tuticorin,'' the IG (South Zone), T. Rajendran, told newsmen here today, ascertaining that the criminal was very much in the southern districts.

He said the police had specific information about the movements of Imam Ali and three others.

``We presume that he is still carrying with him the AK 47 weapon, besides improvised explosive devices (IEDs).''

Mr. Rajendran said two persons who harboured the criminals were taken into custody.

``We have definite clues and it is only a matter of time before we nab him.''

As of now, some 24 persons have been arrested on charges of facilitating the escape of Imam Ali from the taluk police station and harbouring him in Madurai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts.

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