NIA takes over probe into Kerala's train arson case; Accused Shahrukh Saifi remanded again

The development comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order in this regard.

New Delhi: The Kochi unit of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation into the Elattur train arson case and registered an FIR on Tuesday over the case.

The development comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification to take up the case. At the same time, Shahrukh Saifi was remanded again by the Court today and will be shifted to Viyyur jail in Thrissur. However, the police did not ask for his custody. 

In the event that NIA has taken over the investigation, the Kerala Police will hand over all the findings so far to the NIA team. NIA will investigate the terror angle and conspiracy of the case. The NIA suspects that there are many links extending from Shaheen Bagh to Kerala. All this will be investigated. 

According to the preliminary report of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Shahrukh's contacts in Delhi and Noida has to be investigated to check for any links with radical outfits. The NIA assessment also suggests further investigation is necessary as it appears that the attack was premeditated after closer inspection.

According to police, the accused person was going to destroy the train and commit mass murder. According to reports, the police have proof in this regard.

Shahrukh Saifi was earlier charged with IPC 302 (murder), following the death of three people, IPC 307 (Attempt to murder), IPC 326 A, IPC 436, and Indian Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act section 151.

The accused Shahrukh Saifi was slapped with the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by the Kerala police, days after the incident.