Mumbai: In a significant development linked to the 2022 Mangaluru auto-rickshaw blast case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached a bank balance of Rs 29,176 belonging to Syed Yasin, one of the key accused in the ISIS-inspired terror conspiracy, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
2022 Auto-Rickshaw IED Blast Part of ISIS Conspiracy
The attachment is part of the agency’s ongoing investigation into the financial trail linked to the blast, which occurred on November 19, 2022, when a pressure cooker fitted with an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded inside an auto-rickshaw in Mangaluru.
ED Links Attached Funds to Suspected Terror Proceeds
According to officials, the attached amount was found in a bank account maintained by Yasin and has been linked to the proceeds of crime arising from suspected terror-related activities. The ED's action comes as part of its ongoing probe into the money laundering angle of the failed terror plot.
Yasin, currently in judicial custody, was earlier arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for allegedly aiding and abetting co-accused Mohammed Shariq in planning and executing the ISIS-backed terror plot. Investigators said Yasin provided material and logistical support, assisted in radicalisation, and possibly played a role in financing the conspiracy.
ED Probe Stems From NIA’s FIR in ISIS-Inspired Terror Case
The ED's case stems from an FIR registered at the Mangaluru City police station, which was later taken over by the NIA. The chargesheet filed in this case reveals that the above said auto rickshaw blast at Mangalore was a part of the plan of the ISIS, a terrorist organisation with the aim to spread terror and wage war against the Government of India and to threaten the integrity and sovereignty of India.
ISIS Handler ‘Colonel’ Trained Accused via Encrypted Apps
Investigations have identified an online handler known by the alias "Colonel" as the key ISIS operative behind the plot. NIA investigations had revealed that accused Shariq and Syed along with an online handler, Colonel, had planned the explosion as part of a conspiracy to establish Caliphate (Shariya Law). In pursuance of the conspiracy, Mohamed Shariq had prepared the pressure cooker IED and Syed Yasin had provided material support for the explosive.
Investigations revealed that the ISIS online handler ‘Colonel’ had given training over Wicker app and Telegram to the main accused Mohammad Shariq alias Premraj and other associates on assembling improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Funds Moved via Crypto, Mule Bank Accounts and PoS Agents
Officials said Colonel also facilitated the transfer of funds through mule bank accounts and cryptocurrency channels. These funds were often encashed by Shariq and co-accused Syed Yasin through point of sales (PoS) agents for a commission. In several instances, investigators found that the cryptocurrencies were routed through fraudulently opened mule accounts at FINO Payments Bank.
Investigations have revealed that an ISIS online handler, identified by the alias Colonel, provided virtual training over encrypted platforms such as Wickr and Telegram to the main accused, Mohammad Shariq alias Premraj,
According to probe findings, a total of Rs 2.86 lakh was deposited into these mule accounts by various cryptocurrency dealers, while another Rs41,680 was withdrawn in cash from PoS agents. The funds were allegedly used to procure components for assembling the IEDs, rent hideouts in Mysuru and other locations, and conduct reconnaissance missions in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
Temple Target Foiled as Timer Error Caused Premature Blast
Investigation revealed that the explosive device was originally intended to be planted at the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple. However, the bomb detonated prematurely inside the autorickshaw due to an error in the timer, which was mistakenly set to 9 seconds instead of 90 minutes.
One of the co-accused, Maaz Munir, allegedly provided the details of the mule accounts in FINO Payments Bank to Shariq for receiving funds from the handler. The above said amounts had been spent for the said purposes and the amount of Rs 39,228 seized from the bag of Mohd. Shariq at the Father Mullar Hospital by the Karnataka Police has been taken over by the NIA.
In continuation of the probe, the ED has now attached Rs 29,176, the remaining balance found in Syed Yasin’s bank account, through provisional attachment order (PAO) No. 19/2025. All arrested accused in the case remain in judicial custody.
