Mangaluru: ED investigates ISIS-linked funding and IED plan
Top sources confirmed to DH that Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigators visited the prison to question Mohammad Shariq, a key accused in the Mangaluru auto rickshaw blast case, on Tuesday.
On August 5, the ED’s Bengaluru Zonal Office had provisionally attached movable property worth Rs 29,176 in the bank account of Syed Yasin, another main accused, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
ISIS link and investigation details
The chargesheet filed in the case revealed that the blast was part of a plan by ISIS, a terrorist organisation, to spread terror and threaten India’s sovereignty and integrity. Investigations showed that an ISIS online handler named Colonel trained Mohammad Shariq (alias Premraj) and other accused via Wicker app, Telegram, and other online platforms to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Funds were reportedly arranged through mule accounts and cryptocurrencies, which were at times encashed by Syed Yasin and Mohammad Shariq through PoS agents, earning a commission. Some encashed cryptocurrencies were also routed via fraudulently opened mule accounts in FINO Payments Bank.
Source of funds and utilisation
According to ED sources, the total amounts deposited by cryptocurrency dealers in the mule accounts totalled Rs 2,86,008, with Rs 41,680 collected in cash from PoS agents. These funds were allegedly used to:
- Purchase materials online to assemble the IED
- Hire hideouts in Mysuru and other cities
- Conduct reconnaissance in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka
The bomb, intended to be planted at the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple, exploded prematurely in an autorickshaw because the timer was mistakenly set to 9 seconds instead of 90 minutes.
Ongoing investigation
The ED is questioning Mohammad Shariq to trace the source of funds encashed by him and Syed Yasin. The probe is part of a broader investigation into terror funding, IED preparation, and ISIS operations in southern India.