ED seizes ₹29,000 from Mangaluru blast accused, says temple was target

Bengaluru: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached ₹29,176 from the bank account of Syed Yasin, one of the accused in the 2022 Mangaluru autorickshaw blast case. The Bengaluru zonal office of the ED confirmed the action on Tuesday, stating that the blast was part of an ISIS-linked terror plot, and the bomb was originally intended to be planted at the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple.

According to a statement issued by the agency on Wednesday, investigations revealed that an ISIS online handler identified as “Colonel” had trained the main accused, Mohammad Shariq alias Premraj, and other associates through encrypted platforms like Wicker and Telegram. The training included instructions on assembling improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and funds were routed via mute accounts and cryptocurrencies. These funds were later encashed by Shariq and Yasin through point-of-sale (PoS) agents, allegedly for a commission. In certain cases, cryptocurrencies were channelled through fraudulently opened mule accounts at FINO Payments Bank.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which took over the case from Karnataka Police, has stated in its chargesheet that the explosion was part of a broader terrorist conspiracy orchestrated by ISIS. The ED noted that a total of ₹2,86,008 had been deposited into mule accounts by various cryptocurrency dealers. Additionally, ₹41,680 was withdrawn in cash through PoS agents. These funds were reportedly used to purchase materials required for making the IED, rent hideouts in Mysuru and other cities, and carry out reconnaissance missions across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

The ED also mentioned that ₹39,228 had previously been seized from Mohammad Shariq at Father Muller Hospital in Mangaluru. On November 19, 2022, Shariq, 24, sustained 40 per cent burns when an IED he was carrying in a bag on his lap exploded inside an autorickshaw in Mangaluru. The blast occurred prematurely due to a timer error, with the device set to detonate in 9 seconds instead of 90 minutes, according to the NIA.

Another accused, Maaz Munir, allegedly supplied Shariq with the details of mule accounts used to receive funds from the handler. The ED has confirmed that further investigations into the terror financing and related activities are ongoing.