Pramesh S Jain
NIA Court Convicts Mohammed Shariq in Mangaluru Pressure Cooker Blast Case;Sentenced to 10 Years
A special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday convicted Mohammed Shariq in connection with the Islamic State (IS)-inspired pressure cooker blast case reported in Mangaluru in 2022.
The court sentenced Shariq to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs.94,000 after finding him guilty under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with relevant sections of the IPC.
The incident occurred on November 19,2022,when a low-intensity improvised explosive device (IED) concealed in a pressure cooker exploded at Nagori while Shariq was transporting it in an autorickshaw.Both Shariq and the driver,Purushottam,sustained injuries.
According to the NIA chargesheet filed in November 2023,Shariq had allegedly planned to plant the IED at the Kadri Manjunatha Temple.
However,the device detonated prematurely during transit.Investigators also stated that while Shariq assembled the explosive device, another accused provided logistical and material support.
Shariq had earlier come under the radar of security agencies in 2020 for allegedly painting pro-Islamic State graffiti in Mangaluru.
He was also named in the 2022 Shivamogga Islamic State conspiracy case.
Charges and Legal Provisions:
The court convicted Shariq under multiple sections, including:
Section 121A IPC–Conspiracy to wage war against the nation.
Section 122 IPC–Collecting arms with intent to wage war.
Section 326 IPC–Causing grievous hurt using dangerous weapons.
Relevant provisions under UAPA:
Each of these offences carries penalties ranging up to life imprisonment.
Plea for Leniency and Transfer
During sentencing,Shariq sought leniency,citing family hardship and stating that his sister has no one to support her.
He also requested transfer to Shivamogga prison, arguing that it would be closer to his home.
Shariq told the court he had been suffering from sleep issues for the past three years and that medication had not helped.
However,the judge reportedly questioned the request, observing that many inmates seek transfer to Bengaluru facilities,while Shariq was asking for relocation elsewhere.
Despite his plea,the court upheld the 10-year sentence and fine.
