Coimbatore Blast: NIA Files Chargesheet Against Six Accused; Reiterates Links To ISIS And Easter Day Bombings Mastermind Zahran Hashim

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against six persons in connection with the Coimbatore car bomb blast case.

The blast occurred early in the morning, a day before Diwali outside the Kottai Eswaran temple in the Ukkadam area of the city. The car with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (V-IED) consisting of an LPG cylinder, nails and other explosives was driven by Jameesha Mubeen. Mubeen died after emerging from the car.

According to a statement released by the NIA, Mubeen took an oath of allegiance to the Caliph proclaimed by ISIS and was motivated by their ideology.

He was also inspired by the sermons of Zahran Hashim, the mastermind of the Easter Day bombings in Colombo and wanted to carry out a similar suicide bombing in Coimbatore.

The investigating team found handwritten notes with potential targets like temples, parks, and government offices.

An article in a magazine of the Islamic State of Khorasan Province had earlier claimed responsibility for the attack.