Mangaluru Autorickshaw Blast Case: Police said – Main accused wanted to show himself as Hindu, NIA will investigate further

In the Mangaluru autorickshaw blast case, police on Wednesday said prime accused Mohammed Shariq had projected himself as a Hindu to hide his real identity when he was an undergrad. On the other hand, state DGP Praveen Sood said on Wednesday that the case would soon be formally handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The DGP said the main accused Mohd Shariq's aim was to create division between the communities. No two ways about it. Its purpose was to increase differences between Hindu, Muslim or Christian communities. It meant destabilizing the country. They definitely had the intention to disturb communal harmony and unity.

Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jananendra visited the blast site along with DGP Sood. He also visited the hospital where auto driver Purushottam Pujara is undergoing treatment. Jananendra said the NIA and other central agencies have been working closely with the Karnataka Police since the day before the blast. He said the case would be formally handed over to the NIA.

On the demand for setting up an NIA office in Mangaluru, Jananendra said the state government has brought it to the notice of the Center and expressed confidence that an office will be set up in the coastal city.

A pressure cooker was kept in the vehicle of an autorickshaw driver, a resident of Tirthahalli in Shivamogga district, Karnataka. It was fitted with detonators, wires, and batteries, and exploded on 19 November.