NIA Court Sentences ISIS Operative to 10 Years in Mangaluru Blast Case

A special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Bengaluru on Monday sentenced the prime accused in the Mangaluru pressure cooker blast case to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment , along with a fine of ₹94,000 .

The accused, Mohamed Shariq , had initially claimed innocence but later pleaded guilty under Section 229 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in December 2025, which the court accepted. According to the prosecution, Shariq was carrying a pressure cooker improvised explosive device (IED) in an autorickshaw on November 19, 2022, with plans to plant it at the Kadri Manjunatha Temple to spread terror. However, the low-intensity device exploded prematurely, injuring him and another person.

As per the court order, Shariq was awarded 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment under multiple serious charges, including criminal conspiracy (Section 120B IPC), waging war conspiracy (Section 121A), collecting arms (Section 122), attempt to murder (Section 307) and causing grievous hurt (Section 326). He also received additional sentences for forgery (Sections 465, 471 IPC).

Under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, he was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment under several provisions related to terror activities, funding, and association with a banned outfit . Further, under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, he was handed 10 years’ imprisonment for offences involving explosive materials.

The court ordered that all sentences will run concurrently , and the period already spent in custody will be set off under Section 428 CrPC . It also stated that failure to pay fines would result in additional imprisonment ranging from one to six months .

Advocates informed that the order was delivered with the accused appearing via video conferencing , and copies of the judgment will be shared electronically and by post. A warrant of conviction has been issued.

Meanwhile, in the same case, the judicial custody of the second accused has been extended till May 21, 2026, with directions for appearance through video conferencing on the next hearing date.