The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday filed a fourth supplementary charge sheet in the 2022 Coimbatore car blast case, formally charging five additional individuals for their involvement in the terror plot and associated financing activities.
The blast, which occurred in October 2022, killed the prime suspect and suicide bomber Jamesha Mubeen. The attack was allegedly aimed at the Kottai Sangameshwarar Temple in Coimbatore.
The five newly charge-sheeted accused are Sheikh Hidayathullah, Umar Farooq, Pavas Rahman, Sharan Mariappan, and Aboo Hanifa. According to the NIA, all five played critical roles in supporting and funding the attack. With the latest additions, a total of 17 individuals have now been charge-sheeted in connection with the case.
In a significant development, the NIA revealed that terror financing in the case was partly conducted through a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate racket, orchestrated by some of the accused between 2021 and 2022.
Sheikh Hidayathullah, along with Umar Farooq and Amir (previously charge-sheeted), is accused of using the proceeds from the certificate scam to purchase materials used in the car bomb. The scam was reportedly facilitated by co-accused Pavas Rahman and Sharan Mariappan, while Aboo Hanifa provided financial assistance for the creation of the fake vaccine documents.
The funds generated from the fraudulent operation were used to acquire bomb-making components and support logistical preparations for the failed terror attack.
NIA Chargesheets 5 Accused in 2022 Coimbatore Car Bomb Blast Case pic.twitter.com/ZbnEILXncr
— NIA India (@NIA_India) April 17, 2025
The investigation into the Coimbatore blast is ongoing, with the NIA continuing to probe deeper into the network of conspirators and financiers involved in the case.
(With inputs from The New Indian Express)
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