ED Questions Key Accused in Mangaluru Pressure Cooker Blast Over Terror Funding Links

ED Questions Key Accused in Mangaluru Pressure Cooker Blast Over Terror Funding Links

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Aug 27, 2025: Days after registering a case against the key accused in the 2022 Mangaluru pressure cooker blast, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday interrogated Mohammad Shariq at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, Bengaluru, over suspected terror financing networks.

On August 5, ED’s Bengaluru Zonal Office had provisionally attached ₹29,176 lying in the bank account of another main accused, Syed Yasin, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The blast occurred on November 19, 2022, when an improvised explosive device (IED) meant for the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple exploded prematurely inside an autorickshaw after the timer was mistakenly set for nine seconds instead of 90 minutes. Both Shariq and the autorickshaw driver were injured in the incident.

According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the blast was part of an ISIS-linked conspiracy to spread terror and wage war against India. Investigations revealed that an online handler, known as “Colonel,” trained Shariq (alias Premraj) and others via encrypted platforms such as Wickr and Telegram, instructing them on IED manufacturing and arranging funds through cryptocurrency transactions and mule accounts.

The ED probe has found that cryptocurrency dealers deposited ₹2.86 lakh into mule accounts, while another ₹41,680 was collected in cash from PoS agents. The funds were allegedly used for purchasing IED components online, renting hideouts in Mysuru, and conducting reconnaissance in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

ED officials said Tuesday’s questioning was aimed at identifying the exact sources of the funds and the broader financial network enabling the terror operation. The agency continues to investigate possible accomplices and other funding channels.