Following the recent car blast in New Delhi, security agencies in Coimbatore have intensified their vigilance and launched coordinated efforts with national investigation bodies. The Coimbatore city police and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have formally approached the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) to determine whether suspects connected to the Delhi explosion had any presence in the Tamil Nadu city.
Historical Context of Terror Threats
The security concerns in Coimbatore are not without precedent. On October 23, 2022, the city witnessed a devastating incident when suicide bomber Jamesha Mubeen, who identified as an ISIS operative, died after a car bomb detonated in front of the Kottai Sangameswarar temple. The NIA subsequently classified this as a lone wolf attack and has made significant progress in the investigation, arresting 17 suspects in connection with the case so far.
Another concerning incident occurred in November 2022 when a cooker bomb explosion was reported in Mangaluru, Karnataka. Investigation revealed that the prime suspect, Mohammed Shariq, had visited Coimbatore and several other locations in Tamil Nadu before executing the attack. These consecutive security breaches have put Coimbatore police on maximum alert.
Enhanced Surveillance Measures
A senior police officer from Coimbatore confirmed the heightened security measures. "We are on high alert following the Delhi incident," the officer stated. "We have approached the NIA and IB to obtain detailed information about suspects connected to the New Delhi car blast to ascertain whether they had previously visited Coimbatore city."
The city police have been utilizing advanced technological tools to bolster their security apparatus. They are currently employing Octopus, a specialized software system, to maintain and analyze data concerning potential threats. According to official sources, 140 individuals who are possibly radicalized remain under close observation by Coimbatore police authorities.
Comprehensive Security Strategy
Beyond digital surveillance, the police have implemented multiple layers of security protocols. The media monitoring cell maintains vigilant oversight of social media platforms to detect any suspicious activities or radical content. Additionally, law enforcement agencies are conducting systematic surveys to identify and remove unclaimed vehicles parked on city streets for extended periods.
ATS sources have corroborated these security initiatives, confirming that they maintain regular communication with the NIA to gather information about the seven suspects identified in the Delhi blast case. This coordinated approach between local and national agencies demonstrates the seriousness with which security threats are being addressed.
The convergence of these security measures reflects Coimbatore's determined stance against potential terrorist activities, ensuring that the city remains protected through technological advancement and inter-agency cooperation.
