Malappuram: A fresh attack on a tomb of a sufi saint in Nadukani pass near Vazhikkadavu has sparked controversy pointing fingers at radical Salafi elements. The tomb was found destroyed on Friday morning with a coconut tree sapling planted on it. This was third attack on the tomb during the past four weeks. The police has initiated investigation in to the matter. The preliminary investigation and evidences collected from the spot suggested that the followers of Salafism, a radical form of Islam, might be behind the attack. The police has found a note in this regard, said Edakkara Inspector P. Abdul Basheer.
A special investigation team led by Perinthalmanna DySP M.P Mohanachandran has been constituted for further investigation into the recurring incidents. The team comprises special branch DySP Ullas Kumar and Vazhikkadav sub-inspector Abhilash besides inspector of Edakkara Mr. Basheer.
The fresh attack has drawn huge outcry from major Sunni organisations that follow sufi Islamic tradition. Kerala Muslim Jamath and Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) has approached Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking strong action against the miscreants. Hameed Faizy Ambalakkadavu, state secretary of SYS said the chief minister has sought report on the incident from authorities.
Meanwhile, the Indian Union Muslim league (IUML) has distanced itself from the tomb attack saying that the tomb has no religious importance. "We have no information regarding the attack on the tomb. The party cannot respond without examining it properly and the tomb is not a religiously important place," said IUML general secretary K.P.A Majeed.
