Fringe Islamic group claims M’luru blast; cops to probe role

Mangaluru: A little-known radical Islamic outfit has claimed responsibility for the Mangaluru autorickshaw blast and said the target of the botched operation was a temple in the coastal city.
Mangaluru police said they will launch a probe to check the veracity of the note sent by Islamic Resistance Council (IRC). ADGP (law and order) Alok Kumar said the probe will also cover the activities and antecedents of the alleged organization.
Police refused to confirm or comment that the accused wanted to target places of worship in Mangaluru city.
On Saturday, an explosion occurred in an autorickshaw, leaving the passenger, identified as Mohammed Shariq, 24, a key suspect in the case, and its driver with burns.
The IRC’s note claimed that Mohammed Shariq attempted to attack “a temple in Kadri, and said it (the operation) was still a success”. It said they were forced into “the path of resistance by oppressive laws and legislation (which seek) to suppress us and interfere in our religion”.
Police sources see similarities between the Mangaluru blast case and the ones allegedly carried out by radical Indian Mujahideen outfit.