Cong leader’s office searched during NIA raids on terror suspects’ houses

MANGALURU/SHIVAMOGGA: The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which searched the houses of suspected terrorists in connection with the November 19 cooker blast in an autorickshaw in Mangaluru, on Wednesday also checked the office premises of Congress leader and former minister Kimmane Ratnakar.

More than 15 NIA officials conducted searches at the houses of three suspected terrorists and other locations in Thirthahalli of Shivamogga district early on Wednesday.

The NIA officers searched the houses of Maaz Mateen and Shariq and also their neighbours. The officials directed the families to switch off their mobile phones, stop taking photos and videos, and gathered information about the financial sources and background of the suspected  terrorists.

The autorickshaw in which the pressure cooker IED went off.

Responding to the surprise NIA raid, Kimmane Ratnakar said, “The officials had asked about the rented office building which belongs to Hasim. I answered all their questions and provided details. I took the office space on rent in 2015 for eight years and paid a deposit of Rs 10 lakh. We are paying Rs 1,000 per month and we have paid up till December. Once they return our deposit amount, I will vacate the office. We have brought this to the attention of the authorities. I don’t know much more than that”.

“The BJP is spreading rumours that the NIA raided my house. This is a conspiracy by the BJP. The NIA won’t get anything from my house, except a minimum cash of Rs 10,000, TV and fridge. The BJP is hoping to take advantage of this as the elections are close”, Rathnakar added.