TerrorFunding – ED Conducts Multi-State Raids in Coimbatore Blast Money Trail Investigation
TerrorFunding –The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out coordinated searches across three states as part of its ongoing investigation into suspected money laundering linked to the 2022 Coimbatore car explosion case. Officials said the action focused on tracing the alleged financial network that supported activities connected to the ISIS-inspired attack.
Searches Conducted Across Three States
According to officials, the agency searched 16 locations spread across Chennai and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad in Telangana, and Mumbai in Maharashtra. The searches began early in the morning and were conducted simultaneously as investigators gathered documents, electronic devices, and financial records believed to be relevant to the case.
The latest operation forms part of the ED’s investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency initiated the case after taking note of multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the October 2022 explosion near the Sangameshwarar Temple in Coimbatore.
Investigation Focuses on Alleged Funding Sources
The ED stated that its investigation is examining how the accused allegedly generated and routed funds to support extremist activities. According to the agency, two primary channels have emerged during the probe.
Investigators allege that one source of money came from the creation and sale of fake Covid-19 vaccination certificates during the pandemic. The agency claims that individuals seeking vaccination records without receiving the actual vaccine paid for these forged certificates, generating funds that were later diverted for unlawful purposes.
The second alleged funding source relates to fraudulent investment collections described as donations linked to Kovai Arabic College in Coimbatore. The ED has alleged that these financial transactions played a role in supporting activities connected to the accused.
Agency Alleges Radicalisation Network
The Enforcement Directorate has also claimed that the investigation uncovered links between several accused persons and Kovai Arabic College. According to the agency, around a dozen individuals named in the case, including the alleged suicide bomber Jamesha Mubeen, attended sessions conducted by the institution through both online and offline modes.
The agency further alleged that the participants were guided by Jameel Basha, identified as the promoter of the college. Investigators claim that these interactions led to their alleged indoctrination into Salafi-Jihadi ideology, following which they are accused of conspiring to carry out the attack in support of the banned terrorist organisation ISIS.
These findings form part of the ED’s investigation and remain subject to the ongoing legal process.
Background of the 2022 Coimbatore Explosion
The explosion took place on October 23, 2022, near the Sangameshwarar Temple in the Kottaimedu area of Coimbatore. According to investigating agencies, the blast involved a modified car carrying explosive materials.
The ED has maintained that the attack was an ISIS-inspired terrorist act allegedly executed by Jamesha Mubeen along with other accused persons. Mubeen died in the explosion, while subsequent investigations by the NIA and other central agencies led to multiple arrests and the filing of several cases.
The current round of searches is aimed at identifying the movement of funds, gathering additional evidence, and establishing whether money laundering was used to finance activities connected with the alleged conspiracy. Officials said the investigation is continuing, and further action will depend on the evidence collected during the searches and subsequent analysis.