Coimbatore, Mangaluru blasts: Three arrested in NIA raids in Kochi, simultaneous raids in three states

KOCHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted simultaneous raids at 32 places in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in connection with the Coimbatore and Mangalore blasts. Three people have been detained from Ernakulam district who are suspected to have links with the Mangaluru blast. One person was also directed to appear at the NIA office today.

Documents of financial transactions, digital evidence and mobile phones have been seized from various places.

Ashokan (50) alias Pindi Asokan, Riyas (48) and Siraj, a native of Thoppumpadi, were taken into custody from their house at Valloorakathottu near the Aluva DySP office. Sainuddin alias Seenumon, a native of Paravur's Panaikulam, who lives on rent at Moonlight Apartment near Aluva Seminaryppadi, has been asked to appear at the NIA Kochi office today. His mobile phone has been seized. Earlier, the court acquitted Zainuddin, who was accused in the Bengaluru blast case. The raid was at houses in Aluva, Edathala, Paravur and Mattancherry.

Cash documents were seized from Ashokan's house.

The NIA had confirmed that Mohammad Shariq, the accused in the gas cylinder blast case in Mangaluru's Kankanady on November 19, had stayed in Aluva for a few days. The raid was based on information received about people who had helped Shareeq stay in hiding and who were believed to have provided him financial support. 25 personnel participated in the raid.

Widespread raids in Tamil Nadu

Raids were also conducted in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore, Trishinappalli, Nilgiris, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Chennai, Thiruvannamalai, Dindigal, Mayiladumthura, Krishnagiri, Kanyakumari, Tenkasi and Mysuru in Karnataka.

Jamesha Mubeen was killed in a suicide bombing in front of the Kotai Easwaran temple in Coimbatore on October 23, 2022. The NIA found that the explosion was carried out with the support of ISIS in an attempt to damage the temple. The raids were based on the statement given by Mubeen's wife.