Kovai car blast case: Relative of Mubin arrested

CHENNAI: The Coimbatore city police on Thursday arrested one more person in connection with the car blast incident near a temple on 23 October.

Police identified the sixth accused as Afsar Khan (28), who is a close relative of terror suspect Jameesha Mubin killed in the incident. “He played a vital role in helping Mubin to source raw materials through e-commerce sites to make explosive substances,” said a source, privy to the investigation.

The arrest comes a day after the police searched his house and seized a laptop, which established his involvement in the offence. Following the blast, the police seized 75 kg of explosive substance from the house of Mubin, who also carried explosives, cylinders, nails and marbles in the exploded car near Kottai Eswaran temple.

Already, police have arrested five persons Mohammed Thalka (25), Mohammed Azarudeen (23), Mohammed Riyaz (27), Feroz Ismail (27) and Mohammed Nawaz Ismail (26), who were in close links with Mubin. They were booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Meanwhile, a special team of police commenced their inquiry with the five persons, who were taken in three days' custody by the police. Nine special teams have been formed to inquire about the sensational case.