NIA Makes 15th Arrest in ISIS-inspired Coimbatore Car Bomb Blast Case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made its 15th arrest in the ISIS-inspired car bomb blast case in Coimbatore, in which the accused, Jamesha Mubeen (A-1), was killed in a suicide explosion from a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (IED). This case was initially registered by the Ukkadam Police Station in Coimbatore City and subsequently handed over to the NIA, which officially re-registered it as RC-01/2022/NIA/CHE on October 27, 2022.

The arrested suspect has been identified as Tahanaseer, a resident of Coimbatore. He allegedly conspired with other accused persons Jamesha Mubeen and Mohammed Thoufeek to commit the terror attack, which took place in front of the ancient Arulmigu Kottai Sangameshwarar Thirukovil temple at Eswaran Kovil Street, Ukkadam in Coimbatore on October 23, 2022.

The vehicle carrying the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was allegedly being driven by the deceased accused, Jamesha Mubeen, with whom both Tahanaseer and Mohammed Thoufeeq were closely associated.

Investigations revealed that Tahanaseer and Thoufeeq had visited the residence of Jamesha Mubeen, exactly one week prior to the attack, during which they allegedly conspired to carry out the act of terror.

Scrutiny of Tahanaseer’s digital device also revealed that he was in possession of ISIS-inspired literature and had deliberately attempted to cover his tracks by deleting the incriminating material, by employing specific mobile-based application software and apps following the terror incident, in an apparent bid to evade the attention of law enforcement agencies.

Investigations uncovered that the deceased accused, Jamesha, was deeply inspired and motivated by the hardcore ISIS ideology.

Jamesha, prior to carrying out the terror attack, had sworn allegiance by giving “bayath” to Abu-Al-Hasan Al-Hashimi Al-Qurashi, the self-proclaimed Caliphate of ISIS at the time.

The National Investigation Agency had previously filed two separate charge sheets in the case on April 20 and June 2, 2023, before the NIA Court at Poonamallee, Chennai, against 11 suspects.

Investigations in the case remain open.