Justice Will Be Served for Retired Police Officer's Murder: Stalin
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Synopsis
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has vowed that those behind the murder of retired police officer Zakir Hussain Bijli in Tirunelveli will be held accountable, assuring that justice will prevail. The investigation is ongoing amidst political calls for support to Bijli's family.
Key Takeaways
- M.K. Stalin pledges justice for Bijli's murder.
- Two suspects have surrendered to the police.
- Investigations reveal a potential land dispute as a motive.
- Political leaders demand support for Bijli's family.
- Authorities are reviewing evidence from Bijli's video.
Chennai, March 19 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated on Wednesday that those accountable for the murder of retired police sub-inspector Zakir Hussain Bijli in Tirunelveli will face justice.
While addressing the Assembly, Stalin reiterated that his administration will not permit anyone to take the law into their own hands.
"Individuals involved in illegal activities will not evade the reach of the law," he asserted.
The Chief Minister's statements were made in reaction to a special calling attention motion raised by Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami and other assembly members.
He disclosed that the police had initiated a case following a complaint lodged by Bijli’s wife and had commenced an investigation. Additionally, two suspects from Thottipalam Street surrendered in court, and a specialized police unit had been established to locate others implicated in the crime. Authorities are also reviewing a video released by Bijli prior to his death, wherein he mentioned receiving death threats.
Initial investigations indicate that a land dispute involving the retired officer and Krishnamoorthy, also known as Mohamed Thowfeeque, might have been the motive for the murder. Both Bijli and Thowfeeque had lodged complaints against each other, prompting police investigations.
Stalin confirmed that inquiries were conducted after Bijli's video came to light, yet the murder regrettably occurred despite ongoing investigations.
Bijli was tragically murdered on Tuesday morning while riding home on his motorcycle after attending prayers. A four-member armed gang ambushed him near Kaatchi Mandapam in Tirunelveli, fatally attacking him with sharp weapons. Investigations revealed that Bijli was the administrator of the Murtim Zarkhan Dargah in Tirunelveli and was embroiled in a legal dispute over a 36-cent land parcel in the town. Local reports indicate that the disagreement was concerning a plot adjacent to Bijli’s property, owned by Thowfeeque’s wife. Bijli allegedly claimed the land was Waqf property and encroached upon it by setting up a shed, while Thowfeeque’s family contended that the land was a private gift from his mother-in-law.
The conflict had intensified over time, with police documentation revealing that Thowfeeque’s family filed a case against Bijli in January 2025. Authorities are now probing whether this prolonged dispute was a catalyst for the murder.
Numerous political figures, including M.H. Jawahirullah of the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, Shanavas from VCK, T. Ramachandram of CPI, and Nagai Malai from CPI-M, commented on the situation. They called on the government to provide financial support to Bijli's family and to offer a government job to one of his family members.
