Thiruvananthapuram: The two accused arrested in the shooting of ASI at Kaliyakkavilai checkpost have confessed to the crime.

During questioning, the accused revealed that the act was part of their struggle against the administrative and police systems.

Police added that Abdul Shemeem, one of the arrested, has links with terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS) and banned extremist organisation Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

The accused, Abdul Shemeem (32) and Thoufeeq (28), both natives of Thiruvithankodu near Nagercoil, were nabbed from Udupi railway station when they were travelling in the Thiruvananthapuram–Veraval Express on Tuesday.

On Thursday, police brought them to Thakkalai police station in Kanyakumari for questioning. The duo said they organised the attack to spread the message from their terrorist organisation.

The duo said they received help from some people who knew the area well. After the murder, the two had been travelling in train and bus. They were questioned by a team led by DIG Praveen Kumar.

Bengaluru police had registered cases against 11 persons including Abdul Shemeem for arms trafficking. They have links with IS and SIMI, Bengaluru police officials said. TN police said that a detailed investigation must be held to unearth more information. The accused are being questioned under high security.

Investigating officers from Tamil Nadu said the organisation involving the accused have roots in Kerala and several northern states.

However, Kerala police said there was no information regarding the accused having any links with Kerala. Kerala police also said that their TN counterparts have not provided any information officially or unofficially.

Kerala police added that Intelligence and other departments are closely observing the situation.