Palani Coconut Trader Raja Mohammed Arrested By NIA In Connection With 2022 Coimbatore Car Bomb Blast

Raja Mohammed, a coconut trader from Palani, was recently arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the 2022 car explosion in Coimbatore. As part of the probe, the NIA searched his home in Neikkarapatti, located near Palani. The explosion, which took place near a temple, was carried out by a suicide bomber and tied to extremist ideology.

Previously on 14 February 2023, authorities searched Raja Mohammed’s residence between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m., reportedly in search of evidence linked to the bombing. Investigators have uncovered that some suspects allegedly financed the bomb-making materials using money from a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccine certificate scheme. The probe has also indicated the involvement of individuals influenced by Islamic State (IS) ideology.

Jameesha Mubeen, who died in the explosion, has been identified as a primary suspect, along with others believed to be involved in the planning, financing, and execution of the attack. The NIA continues to investigate the broader conspiracy, aiming to identify all those connected to the incident. Additionally, the agency is examining whether the bombing was a retaliatory act following the arrest of Mohammed Azharuddin, accused of spreading violent Salafi-Jihadi propaganda.