Coimbatore: The National Investigation Agency on Thursday took over the investigation in the October 23 Coimbatore car blast case by registering a case.

The NIA registered the case after the Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalization (CTCR) division of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an order asking the anti-terror agency to start probe into the case.

“We have re-registered an FIR after taking over the investigation in the Coimbatore blast case from state police,” a top NIA official told news agency ANI.

The MHA order comes a day after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin recommended for NIA probe in the case. Stalin, in a recommendation letter, to the MHA had requested on Wednesday to transfer the investigation of the case related to the car cylinder explosion in the Ukkadam area in Coimbatore to the NIA, and directed police to ensure security in Coimbatore.

Stalin’s recommendation followed a detailed review meeting held on Wednesday at the Head Office under the leadership of the Chief Minister regarding the ongoing investigation of the case, ANI reports.

According to reports, on October 23, a car loaded with two gas cylinders had exploded near a temple in Coimbatore. The explosion occurred near the Kottai Eswaran temple, killing a 25-year-old man, identified as Jameza Mubin.

As per police Mubin, 25, who was an engineering graduate, has been previously questioned by the NIA in 2019 for alleged terror links. His name is mentioned as the primary accused in the case.

Tamil Nadu Police so far has arrested six people in connection with the case, and have invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).