The NIA's investigation into the Ramalingam murder case has spanned several years. At different intervals, the investigative agency achieved significant breakthroughs in the case. The matter was officially transferred to the NIA on 7th March 2019, following which the central investigative agency re-registered the case.
Earlier, the NIA has stated the motive was not only to limited to brutally killing Ramalingam but also to create communal tensions. The NIA had even stated that the murder of Ramalingam was a terrorist act.