Mangaluru, Nov 21, 2022: Police have revealed the identity of the accused in the autorickshaw blast case reported from Nagori near Pumpwell on the NH 75 on November 19, Saturday. The accused is Muhammad Shariq (24), a resident of Tirthahalli in Shivamogga district, ADGP Alok Kumar informed reporters on November 21, Monday. The ADGP also stated that Shariq was one of the accused in the provocative graffiti found in Mangaluru in 2020.

He was inspired by ISIS and used dark web to contact his handlers and he even used to work for Al Hind, a terror outfit influenced by ISIS, ADGP Alok Kumar said.

His aunt and sister who arrived in the city have confirmed his identity, the ADGP said adding the police have seized sulphur powder, nut bolts, circuits, multi function delay timer, grinder, mixer, match box, battery, mechanical timer and several chemical substances used in the manufacture of explosives, the ADGP informed.

Cases had been previously registered against him in Mangaluru East and North Police Stations and in Shivamogga rural police station limits. He was released on bail in two cases, the ADGP said.

He is the first accused in the Shivamogga case wherein he was booked under UAPA and was later absconding. He was residing in a rented house at Mysuru from where he travelled to Mangaluru via Hunasuru, Madikeri, Puttur and BC Road on November 19. After alighting from the bus, he boarded an autorickshaw to go towards Pumpwell when the blast took place, the ADGP said.

He further added that the accused will be taken to custody once he recovers. ACP Parameshwar Hegde has been appointed as investigation officer in this case, the ADGP said.