As the courts denounced the release of 1998 Coimbatore blast convicts, the state government, backed by various minority-centric political parties, reportedly sets free the three terrorists. With the approaching tragic anniversary on 14 February, seemingly for opportunistic political gains, the DMK government is contemplating the release of the terrorists to appeal to the extremist Islamist votes as Lok Sabha elections imminent.
On 7 February 2024 , Sun TV, affiliated with the DMK family, conducted an interview featuring three terrorists implicated in the 1998 Coimbatore blast case. In the interview, these terrorists openly expressed admiration for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and the DMK government. The terrorists, who seemed to have any remorse for their past actions, has since gained widespread attention on social media. The video, with all the background music, makes on think the terrorists were actually wronged by the justice system.
#WATCH | "இந்த உலகமே புதுசா இருக்கு"
– கால் நூற்றாண்டுக்கு மேலான சிறைவாசத்திற்குப் பின் வெளியே வந்த இஸ்ஸாமியர்கள் உருக்கமான பேட்டி#SunNews | #TNGovt | #Coimbatore pic.twitter.com/LcHPKEG2mY
— Sun News (@sunnewstamil) February 7, 2024
In the above video, one Mohammed Ibrahim expresses happiness that he feels happy to come out of prison after 25 years of distress and will now be able to live with his family.
“I convey my heartfelt gratitude to those who fought for our freedom – including social organizations, political parties and other outfits” and goes on to name Islamist outfits like Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK), SDPI, (Social Democratic Party of India – a subsidiary of the banned terror outfit Popular Front of India), Muslim League, Thamimum Ansari’s Manidhaneya Jananayaga Katchi, Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamat etc. He also names I.N.D.I. Alliance parties namely Congress, VCK and also Naam Tamilar Katchi.
“I prayed to God. We were so happy that what couldn’t be done by many governments, the DMK government did it“, Ibrahim said.
Another terrorist Shahul Hameed said “After the DMK government came, our release was brought to the attention of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. He only took cognizance of our requests and helped in our release. He repeatedly assured to release us and was of support throughout. Only after the regime change and the DMK government came to power, we got hope of our release.”
Annamalai Condemns The Move
On 13 February 2024, Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president K Annamalai conveyed his apprehensions in a video message on the microblogging platform X. He voiced concern about the DMK government’s attempts to release 16 convicts linked to the Coimbatore bomb blast right before the Lok Sabha elections. Annamalai strongly criticized these efforts and concluded his message with a warning to the DMK government to refrain from repeating a misadventure similar to the one in 2009.
Banned terrorist outfit Al-Umma founder and prime convict of Coimbatore serial blast case of 1998, SA Basha along with two others are freed in TN despite SC denying them relief dubbing their crimes "atrocious". These Islamists murdered 58 innocents & injured 250+.
The defeaning… pic.twitter.com/mrqbLCQC8D— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) February 13, 2024
Annamalai expressed concern about the DMK government’s efforts to release 16 convicts involved in the Coimbatore bomb blast just before the Lok Sabha elections. The Coimbatore bombing on 14 February 1998, resulted in 58 deaths and over 200 injuries. The incident occurred during the DMK government’s tenure, and there is criticism of their attempts to release the convicts despite strong opposition.
In 2009, nine convicts were released, drawing criticism from various quarters, including Cho Ramasamy, who equated it to the government patronizing a terrorist organization. The Supreme Court rejected bail for the remaining 16 convicts in October 2023, deeming it a grave crime of high order. However, the DMK government, after receiving a report from the Justice Aadhinadhan Committee in 2021, is making efforts to release the prisoners.
The BJP in Tamil Nadu strongly condemns these actions, emphasizing that the people of Tamil Nadu are also against the government’s attempts to release the convicts. The message highlights the seriousness of the crime and the potential risk to human lives if the release is pursued. The concern is reinforced by recent incidents, such as a suicide bombing in 2022 in Coimbatore, and ongoing efforts by the NIA to address terrorism-related activities.
The message concludes with a plea for the DMK government not to embark on this misadventure again, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing human lives over electoral gains.
In the video message, Annamalai said, “It is very unfortunate that the DMK government is trying its best to release 16 convicts in the infamous Coimbatore bomb blast and they are doing everything within their power to get this done just before the Lok Sabha elections just to get a brownie point. We all know February 14 1998 that day is etched in the memories of Coimbatore people and Tamil Nadu, because Tamil Badu has never seen a bomb blast of that order. 58 people killed, and more than 200 people injured, bombs found in 24 other locations. It was squarely aimed at L K Advaniji, our Bharat Ratna… and luckily with God’s grace Advaniji escaped. Unfortunately, innocent people who got nothing to do, they all got killed on that day. The incident happened during the government of DMK, now DMK tried everything within its power to release the convicts at different points of time against people’s opinion.”
“In 2009 November 7 they released 9 convicts of this case. Cho Ramasamyji a great writer and ideologue, he mentioned this act is equal to a government of the day acting as a patron of a terror organization. Now there is huge demand, they create an artificial demand which every single political party in Tamil Nadu except BJP, they all want to join the bandwagon to release the remaining 16 people also. Now it is very unfortunate to see the political parties of Tamil Nadu behaving just for vote bank politics. Only in October 2023, the Supreme Court has squarely rejected the bail for all the 16 convicts saying it is a grave crime of very high order” he said.
“Now the DMK government in 2021, after they come to power, they got Justice Aadhinadhan Commission, more like an eyewash commission, they got a report from the commission which said they should be released. They find all means at their disposal to release all the 16 prisoners immediately. Now BJP Tamil Nadu, we strictly condemn, not only do we condemn, we believe that people of Tamil Nadu are against this act of government trying to release these people early. Only in 2022, just before Deepavali, a suicide bomber targeted the city of Coimbatore. Fortunately only the suicide bomber got killed and none of the people got killed or injured, the common people. And the NIA is still raiding multiple charge-sheets filed, even day before yesterday the NIA has raided, arresting multiple people of the same module, ISIS-inspired module. Now they want to release these people,” he further said
“I clearly don’t know what the DMK’s mindset is. If there is somebody who will do religious appeasement politics of the highest order in India, DMK comes first. We are not against other prisoners getting released, who don’t fall under the category of terror crime or the crimes of highest grievous nature. But this is the crime of highest grievous nature even the Supreme Court on October 2023 has said. Now they are trying everything under their disposal to get them before Lok Sabha election just because of the winning elections and getting votes matters more than human lives. I hope and pray the DMK doesn’t get into this misadventure. In 2009 they have done one mistake, I hope, they won’t do the second one,” he concluded.
Devastating Coimbatore Serial Blasts – A Grim Chapter
The 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts, orchestrated by S. A. Basha, the founder of the Islamic fundamentalist group Al Ummah, unfolded in a series of 12 bomb attacks across 11 locations. The intended target, L.K. Advani, narrowly escaped the tragedy due to a delayed flight, marking a dark day in Coimbatore’s history on 14 February. The aftermath of the blasts left 58 dead, 252 seriously injured, and economic losses in crores. Survivors and families of victims continue to grapple with the trauma, as highlighted by poignant testimonials.
Recalling the tragic incident mother of the victim mourned death of her son “Today is the death anniversary of my son who I toiled so hard to bring up. He would have been 35 today, I am extremely upset. All my sons have passed. He promised me as a child that he would study well and take good care of me.”
Rangaraj, a survivor facing physical and financial scars, recounts his experience of being caught in two bomb blasts and the ongoing pain he endures. Despite multiple surgeries over 25 years, financial constraints hinder his access to necessary medical treatment, serving as a reminder of the long-lasting impact on survivors’ lives. while speaking he mentioned that, “The blasts occurred in a Muslim-dominated area, but eerily, no one was present when the explosions transpired. It was as if they had prior knowledge. We behaved and worked with them as if we were family.”
Journalist Mani during a interview recounting the traumatic experience of covering the terrorist attack in Coimbatore describing it as the most catastrophic event he has ever witnessed and , a day etched into his memory, he narrates the tense atmosphere marked by anti-Muslim and anti-DMK sentiments. Focusing on M. Karunanidhi, the then Chief Minister, he highlights the gravity of the situation, with L.K. Advani personally inspecting the aftermath.
Mani details the sequence of events, noting that the blasts unfolded during CP Radhakrishnan’s election campaign at RS Puram. The coordinated bombings occurred at various locations from 3:50 PM to 10:30 PM, claiming 58 lives and injuring over 200. Hospitals were not spared, resulting in the tragic deaths of medical staff and patients.
The journalist visited the blast site the next day, witnessing a grim scene with bloodstains serving as a haunting reminder. The diverse hiding places for bombs, from vehicles to bags, schools, and public places, added to the shocking nature of the attack. Drawing parallels with the 1993 Mumbai bombings, Mani emphasizes the national significance of the Coimbatore serial bomb blasts.
Survivors and families of victims strongly oppose the release of the convicted terrorists responsible for the Coimbatore blasts. Their steadfast conviction is fueled by the profound suffering they’ve endured, and they vehemently wish to prevent others from experiencing a similar fate. The enduring physical and emotional scars serve as a poignant testament to the lasting impact of the Coimbatore blasts on their lives.
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