1996 Coimbatore Blast Prime Accused Siddiqui Raj Arrested After 29 Years On The Run

Originally hailing from Gundlupet in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, Siddiqui had evaded capture for 29 years by constantly changing his identity and location.

Suspected in other bombings, Siddiqui's arrest followed a covert operation by Coimbatore police.

Source : Special arrangement

In a significant breakthrough, nearly three decades after the deadly 1996 Coimbatore bomb blast, police have apprehended Siddiqui Raj — the prime accused — from Vijayapura city, Karnataka. Siddiqui has now been taken into custody and taken to Tamil Nadu, where he is being further questioned. His arrest marks a crucial development in the long-pending case that left investigators in pursuit for years.

Originally hailing from Gundlupet in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, Siddiqui had evaded capture for 29 years by constantly changing his identity and location. He reportedly moved between Tamil Nadu, Bengaluru, Hubballi, and finally Vijayapura, where he had been living under a false name for the past 12 years. Posing as a vegetable vendor, he led an inconspicuous life and was even married to a woman from Hubballi.

Siddiqui Raj Suspected To Be Involved In Multiple Other Bomb Blast Cases

According to police officials, Siddiqui Raj is suspected to have been involved in multiple other bomb blast cases, including those in Madurai and Nagaur. Acting on a specific lead, the Coimbatore police conducted a covert operation to arrest him, deliberately withholding information from local Vijayapura authorities to prevent any potential tip-offs.

Following his arrest, Siddiqui was transported to Tamil Nadu for detailed interrogation. Coimbatore police picked him up on suspicion and his identity was confirmed with the help of other accused. Vijayapura police helped Coimbatore police in this action.