H Mohammed Shariq (24) of Thirthahalli in Shivamogga, the prime accused in the autorickshaw blast. (Photo | Special arrangement) 
Karnataka

Little-known outfit IRC 'claims' responsibility for Mangaluru autorickshaw blast

On November 19, Mohammed Shariq, who was at large, was travelling in an autorickshaw with a cooker which exploded in Mangaluru injuring him and the driver.

Divya Cutinho

BENGALURU: A little-known outfit Islamic Resistance Council (IRC) has reportedly claimed responsibility for the Mangaluru blast on November 19, saying one of its 'Mujahid brother Mohammed Shariq' attempted to attack a 'Hindutva Temple in Kadri.'

A screenshot of their social media post accessed by TNIE shows the post bearing November 23 date was allegedly issued by the IRC with a photograph of prime accused Mohammad Shariq in the poster.

Police sources said they are verifying the origin of this information. "We are checking the veracity of the contents and genuineness of the organisation," said ADGP Law and Order Alok Kumar to TNIE.

According to sources, it was a one-time post allegedly uploaded on the group's Instagram handle.

"We the Islamic Resistance Council (IRC) would like to convey the message: One of our Mujahid brother Mohammed Shariq attempted to attack the Hindutva Temple in Kadri (in Dakshina Kannada district), a bastion of the Saffron terrorists in Mangaluru," the message said.

It further said, "Although this operation didn't meet its objectives, we still consider it a success from a tradecraft and tactics point of view as the brother in spite of being wanted and being pursued by the state and central intelligence agencies, was not only able to successfully evade them but even prepared and mounted an attack."

On November 19, Mohammed Shariq, who was at large, was travelling in an autorickshaw with a cooker that exploded in Mangaluru injuring him and the driver. Police called the blast an act of terror.

INTERVIEW | Budget shunned short-term populism, reflects yearning to be developed nation: PM Modi

T20 World Cup: India sets 176 target for Pakistan with Ishan Kishan's power-packed half century

'Witnessing betrayal of Indian farmers': Rahul Gandhi sharpens attack on Centre over US trade deal

LS Speaker Om Birla to represent India at Tarique Rahman's oath ceremony in Bangladesh

'Hope he is safe': Family seeks his return despite US confirmation on missing Bengaluru student’s death

SCROLL FOR NEXT