Coimbatore: Five people were arrested by the Special Investigation Unit of the Coimbatore police for allegedly hatching a conspiracy to eliminate a few leaders of Hindu outfits.

Four of them were detained by the police, which acted on a tip-off, on Saturday when they arrived here from Chennai while the fifth person, who had come to receive them, was also picked up for questioning.

Stating that all four had come to attend a marriage, police said interrogation revealed that they had conspired to eliminate Arjun Sampath of Hindu Makkal Katchi and Hindu Munnani leader Mookambikai Mani among some others.

The five have been identified as Jafar Safiq Ali, Ismail, Samsudeen, Shalavuddin and Ashik. After interrogating them for over 24 hours, the police arrested them.

All the five were booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and conspiracy. They were arrested and lodged in Central jail here. Security has been provided for the leaders.

(With inputs from PTI)