Police Raids More Locations across State over Mangaluru Autoricksaw Blast

The Karnataka Police on Tuesday raided several more places across the state in connection with the Mangaluru bomb blast case.

Home Minister Araga Gyanendra told the media that apart from other places, the police also raided the residence of some relatives of prime accused Mohammed Shariq at Thirthahalli in Shivamogga district. Shariq is undergoing treatment.

Mohammed Shariq, the prime accused in the case, is currently undergoing treatment. Jnanendra added, “Security has been beefed up at Father Muller Hospital where the suspect is undergoing treatment. There is no danger to his life.”

Mangaluru Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar said, “We will take him into our custody and start questioning him only after the doctor gives him a medical fitness certificate.”

Shariq is under observation at the hospital due to the condition he was in, Kumar said, adding, his condition has remained unchanged. According to sources, the accused is under sedatives. Kumar also dismissed social media rumors that another bomber had entered the city with Shariq. “It is a random video and is not of the accused,” he said, requesting people not to fall prey to such unverified videos.

Police deployment in sensitive areas, picketing, and area domination exercises have been ramped up, he added. Sources said that of the four people detained till Monday, one from Bengaluru was let off after questioning. “We have detained a few others while some suspects have been let off after,” the sources said.

A crude bomb exploded in a moving autorickshaw Saturday in Mangaluru, causing fire and heavy smoke. The driver, Purushotham Pujari, and Shariq, the passenger, were among those who sustained burn injuries. The police added Purushotham is now stable and is talking to his relatives.