Mangaluru: A major revelation has emerged in the investigation into the Mangaluru cooker bomb blast that occurred on the outskirts of the coastal city in November 2022. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has disclosed that the actual target of the accused was the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple. The main accused, Mohammed Shariq, had planned to carry out a bomb blast at the temple; however, due to a mistake, the bomb detonated prematurely in an autorickshaw.

Investigation Details:

  • On November 19, 2022, a low-intensity blast took place in an autorickshaw at the Kankanady area in Mangaluru, injuring both the driver and the accused, Mohammed Shariq.

  • The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which took over the case, stated that the bomb was intended to be planted at the Dharmasthala temple—one of the most crowded pilgrimage sites in Karnataka, and the plot was orchestrated with guidance and funding from an ISIS online handler known as ‘Colonel’, who provided bomb-making training via encrypted apps.

  • The bomb detonated inside the auto due to a critical error: the timer was set to 9 seconds instead of 90 minutes, causing the explosion before the intended destination.

  • The plan had it succeeded, experts note, could have resulted in significant casualties due to heavy footfall at the temple.

    • Financial Trail & Arrests:

    • The ED attached ₹29,176 from accused Syed Yasin’s bank account, identifying it as terror-related proceeds under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

  • Over ₹2.86 lakh had been routed from cryptocurrency dealers and encashed via mule accounts and PoS agents to finance the plot—buying bomb materials, renting hideouts in Mysuru and other cities, and for reconnaissance at various sites across Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

  • These funds were mainly used for online purchases related to bomb-making, renting safehouses, and planning further attacks.

  • Another accused, Maaz Munir, provided bank details to Shariq to receive these funds.

    • Aftermath and Current Status:

    • The bomb’s premature detonation is what prevented a larger tragedy.

  • Following the blast, all prime accused, including Shariq and Yasin, were apprehended and remain in judicial custody.

  • The NIA and ED investigations found clear ISIS involvement, with plans to “spread terror and threaten the integrity and sovereignty of India.”

  • Compensation was provided to the injured autorickshaw driver by local authorities and organizations. Investigations into terror financing and related activities are ongoing.