The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reportedly initiated search operations at 16 locations spread across Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Telangana. These actions are linked to an investigation into money laundering associated with the funding of terrorist activities connected to the 2022 Coimbatore bomb blast incident. The investigation commenced early on July 30, 2026, with operations focusing predominantly in Chennai and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad in Telangana, and Mumbai in Maharashtra.

Details of the Coimbatore Bomb Blast Incident

The inquiries stem from several First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which pertains to a suicide bomb attack that occurred in October 2022 near the Sangameshwarar Temple in Coimbatore. The attack was executed by Jamesha Mubeen, who acted as the suicide bomber, and others affiliated with the operation. The explosive device was concealed within a modified Maruti vehicle, a method attributed to militant tactics inspired by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Investigators indicated that the perpetrators allegedly employed two primary methods for financing their terror-related activities. Firstly, they orchestrated a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccine certificate scheme, targeting individuals wishing to obtain fake vaccination proof without receiving the actual jab. Secondly, they raised funds through donations and questionable investments in Kovai Arabic College, a place identified as fuelling radicalisation among local youth.

Further investigation highlighted that twelve individuals implicated in the bombing case, including Mubeen, had engaged in educational sessions at Kovai Arabic College, either online or in person. They were reportedly mentored by Jameel Basha, the college’s promoter, which subsequently led to their indoctrination in Salafi-Jihadi ideology. This instruction allegedly facilitated their conspiracy to execute the attack in support of ISIS.

Charges Filed by the NIA

In April 2023, the NIA submitted its fourth supplementary chargesheet listing five additional individuals implicated in the terror financing case related to the Coimbatore car bomb explosion. The chargesheet, designated as RC-01/2022/NIA/CHE, included charges against Sheikh Hidayathullah, Umar Faaruq, Pavas Rahman, Sharan Mariappan, and Aboo Hanifa for their involvement in support of the terrorist attack that targeted the Arulmigu Kottai Sangameshwarar Thirukovil temple.

The NIA’s formal findings have thus far charged a total of 17 individuals in association with the attack. Along with the primary accusations, the recent submission included fresh allegations relating to terror financing against both Sheikh Hidayathullah and Umar Faaruq, identified as crucial figures in orchestrating a fake COVID-19 vaccine certificate scam during 2021 and 2022. Funds accrued through this scam were allegedly utilised to acquire materials necessary for the vehicle-borne improvised explosive device used in the attack.

Mubeen, who carried out the suicide bombing, reportedly died during the explosion, nullifying charges against him. Investigators maintain that before the attack, the conspirators convened at various locations, including Viyyur High-Security Prison and Sathyamangalam Reserve Forest, in order to strategise their operation. Their motive was reportedly to retaliate for the detention of their leader, Mohammed Azharuddin, arrested by the NIA in Coimbatore in 2019 for promoting violent Salafi-Jihadi ideologies.

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