Mangaluru blast suspect identified, accused was previously booked under UAPA

Mangaluru blast suspect identified, accused was previously booked under UAPA

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 20, 2022: A day after an explosion took place in a moving autorickshaw in Mangaluru, the police have identified the blast suspect as Mohammed Shariq.

Shariq had previously been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for graffiti on walls in Mangaluru. He was out on bail in the case. Not only that, he was also absconding in a terror case and was wanted by the police.

A moving autorickshaw exploded on Saturday, causing fire and heavy smoke. The autorickshaw driver and a passenger were among those who sustained burn injuries. The passenger has now been identified as Mohammed Shariq, who is the main accused in the blast case.

In September this year, the police had arrested two people, Maaz and Yasin, from Bhadravathi and recovered explosive materials from their house. The police suspected the two accused were working for Mohammed Shariq and were trying to nab him for questioning in the case.

On Saturday, Shariq came back to Mangaluru and used a fake Aadhar card and tried to execute his plan, as per sources.

Shariq, along with the auto driver, was injured in the blast on Saturday. He suffered 40 per cent burn injuries and is presently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kankanadi.

EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS RECOVERED:
The Forensic Science Laboratory Division (FSL) team on Sunday reached the house rented by Shariq in Mysore as investigation into the Mangaluru blast case continued. The team recovered materials used to make explosives from Shariq’s residence.

The FSL team recovered materials used to make explosives such as gelatin powder, circuit board, small bolts, batteries, mobile, wood power, aluminum multi meters, wires, mixture jars, pressure cooker, etc.

The investigators also recovered one mobile phone, two fake Adhaar cards, one fake pan card and one FINO debit card. It is suspected that the accused was likely preparing explosive devices at his house.