Is 'Tailor' Raja Finally Caught After 27 Years in the Coimbatore Blasts Case?
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Synopsis
In a stunning turn of events, 'Tailor' Raja, a key figure in the Coimbatore bomb blasts case, has been arrested after 27 years. His capture raises questions about the ongoing investigation and the broader implications for terrorism in Tamil Nadu.
Key Takeaways
- Tailor' Raja arrested after 27 years on the run.
- Key suspect in the 1998 Coimbatore bomb blasts.
- His capture may unveil more leads on terror networks.
- Significant advancement in the fight against terrorism.
- Highlights the persistence of law enforcement.
Chennai, July 10 (NationPress) In a significant development regarding the long-standing Coimbatore serial bomb blasts case, Tamil Nadu police have successfully apprehended 'Tailor' Raja, a principal suspect who had been evading law enforcement for nearly three decades.
He was taken into custody from the Vijayapura district in Karnataka on Wednesday by a collaborative effort involving the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Coimbatore City Police.
Raja, aged 50, was transported to Coimbatore under strict security measures and appeared before the Fifth Judicial Magistrate Court on Thursday.
The court has placed him in judicial custody until July 24.
Raja, whose actual name is believed to be Shahjahan Abdul Majid Makandar, is also referred to as Sadiq, 'Valarntha' Raja, and Shahjahan Shaik.
A longtime member of the outlawed terror group Al Ummah, he is accused of having a pivotal role in the February 14, 1998, serial bomb blasts that devastated Coimbatore, claiming the lives of 58 individuals and injuring over 250 others.
The orchestrated bombings, allegedly aimed at assassinating senior BJP leader L. K. Advani, represented one of the most lethal terrorist actions in Tamil Nadu's history.
The explosives detonated across multiple sites in Coimbatore just prior to Advani's planned address at an election rally.
According to police reports, Raja originally hails from Bilal Estate in South Ukkadam, Coimbatore.
He had reportedly been underground since 1996, successfully avoiding capture for nearly 30 years despite his suspected involvement in various violent incidents.
In addition to the 1998 blasts, Raja is thought to be connected to several other terror and communal violence cases throughout Tamil Nadu. These include the 1996 Molotov cocktail attack in Coimbatore that resulted in the death of jail warder Boopalan, the murder of Sayeetha in Nagore that same year, and the 1997 assassination of jailor Jayaprakash in Madurai.
Raja's arrest comes on the heels of the recent apprehension of two other fugitives, Abubacker Siddique and Mohamed Ali alias Yunus, in Andhra Pradesh's Annamayya district.
Both were significant figures in Al Ummah-related terrorism cases.
"This marks the third major capture of a long-absconding suspect in recent months and signifies a crucial advancement in delivering justice to the victims of terrorism," stated a senior police official.
With Raja now in custody, investigators are optimistic that more leads will surface regarding the dormant networks and sleeper cells of Al Ummah that once operated in Tamil Nadu.
Point of View
The arrest of a long-absconding suspect like 'Tailor' Raja underscores the relentless pursuit of justice for victims of terror. It reflects the dedication of law enforcement agencies in addressing the challenges posed by longstanding criminal networks, vital for restoring public confidence in safety and security.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is 'Tailor' Raja?
Raja, whose real name is Shahjahan Abdul Majid Makandar, is a key suspect in the Coimbatore bomb blasts case, accused of involvement in the 1998 attacks.
What was the outcome of Raja's court appearance?
Raja was remanded in judicial custody until July 24 following his court appearance.
How many people were affected by the Coimbatore bomb blasts?
The bomb blasts resulted in the deaths of 58 individuals and left over 250 injured.
What was the motive behind the bombings?
The bombings were reportedly aimed at assassinating senior BJP leader L. K. Advani during an election rally.
What is Al Ummah?
Al Ummah is a banned terrorist organization in India, linked to various acts of violence and terrorism.
