Major Breakthrough in Coimbatore Bombing Case: Key Suspect Arrested After 27 Years

In a major breakthrough, Tamil Nadu police have arrested 'Tailor' Raja, a prime suspect in the Coimbatore bomb blasts case, after he evaded capture for 27 years. This arrest is part of a larger effort to bring justice to the victims of the 1998 attacks, which resulted in numerous casualties. Raja's apprehension follows the recent capture of other key figures linked to the Al Ummah terror group, raising hopes for further investigations into dormant terrorist networks in the region.
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Major Breakthrough in Coimbatore Bombing Case: Key Suspect Arrested After 27 Years

Arrest of Prime Suspect in Coimbatore Bomb Blasts


Chennai: In a significant development regarding the long-standing Coimbatore serial bomb blasts case, Tamil Nadu authorities have apprehended 'Tailor' Raja, a key suspect who had been on the run for 27 years.


The arrest took place in the Vijayapura district of Karnataka on Wednesday, executed by a collaborative effort from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Coimbatore City Police.


Raja, aged 50, was transported back to Coimbatore under strict security measures and presented before the Fifth Judicial Magistrate Court on Thursday.


The court has ordered his remand in judicial custody until July 24.


Raja, whose actual name is thought to be Shahjahan Abdul Majid Makandar, is also referred to as Sadiq, 'Valarntha' Raja, and Shahjahan Shaik.


He is a long-time member of the banned terrorist organization Al Ummah and is accused of being instrumental in the February 14, 1998, bombings that devastated Coimbatore, resulting in 58 fatalities and over 250 injuries.


These coordinated attacks were allegedly aimed at assassinating prominent BJP leader L. K. Advani and are considered one of the most lethal terrorist incidents in Tamil Nadu's history.


The explosions occurred at multiple sites in Coimbatore just prior to Advani's scheduled speech at an election rally.


As per police reports, Raja originally comes from Bilal Estate in South Ukkadam, Coimbatore.


He had been evading capture since 1996, managing to stay underground for nearly three decades despite his suspected involvement in various violent acts.


In addition to the 1998 bombings, Raja is believed to have connections to several other terror-related and communal violence incidents in Tamil Nadu, including the 1996 Molotov cocktail attack that led to the death of jail warder Boopalan, the murder of Sayeetha in Nagore that same year, and the 1997 killing of jailor Jayaprakash in Madurai.


Raja's arrest comes shortly after the capture of two other fugitives, Abubacker Siddique and Mohamed Ali, also known as Yunus, in Andhra Pradesh's Annamayya district.


Both individuals were significant figures in Al Ummah-related terror activities.


"This marks the third major arrest of a long-absconding suspect in recent months and is a crucial advancement in seeking justice for the victims of terrorism," stated a senior police official.


With Raja now in custody, investigators are optimistic about uncovering additional information regarding the dormant networks and sleeper cells of Al Ummah that previously operated in Tamil Nadu.


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