Teams of the National Investigation Agency began searches at 12 locations in Coimbatore on Saturday (February 10, 2024) morning in connection with the Coimbatore car blast, which took place in October 2022. A suicide bomber Jameesha Mubeen, reportedly inspired by ISIS, was killed in the blast, which took place in front of Arulmigu Kottai Sangameswarar Thirukovil, in the city.
The raids were conducted at 11 places in the city and one rural location. Two of the residences that were searched were those of Nasser, in Pothanur, son of a DMK functionary, and Rehman, an AC Mechanic, in Al-Ameen Colony. The local police provided security to the NIA teams at all 12 locations.
The NIA had taken over over investigation of the case, which was initially registered by the Ukkadam police.
In Madurai, the NIA team began searches at the residence of a Wahdat E Islami Hind functionary’s house on Kazimar Street. About four NIA sleuths who entered the functionary’s house on Kazimar Street are investigating, to find out if the functionary was, in any way, connected to the blast. Police personnel were deployed at the location to prevent any untoward incidents.
Tiruchi searches
In Tiruchi, NIA officers began searches at a house in Kooni Bazaar. According to police sources, the NIA sleuths are searching the residence of Ashraf Ali, who runs an electrical shop in the city. Three NIA officials arrived at his house in Kooni Bazaar near Bheema Nagar around 6 a.m. and started a search.
Similarly, another team of NIA officials went to East Boulevard Road in Tiruchi to search the house of Abdul Rasool. His house was reportedly locked and the officials left the spot, police sources added.
Sources said these simultaneous searches are also taking place in Chennai and Tirunelveli.
