S A Basha, the key conspirator behind the 1998 Coimbatore serial bomb blasts and founder of the banned Islamic fundamentalist group Al Ummah, passed away on the evening of December 16 due to age-related ailments. He was 84. Basha, a central figure in several militant activities and attacks on Hindu leaders had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital while on parole. His demise has sparked a political debate, with BJP leaders warning against turning his funeral into a show of heroism.
Mastermind of the 1998 Coimbatore Blasts
S A Basha was the mastermind of the deadly Coimbatore serial bomb blasts that occurred on February 14, 1998, just before the scheduled arrival of then-BJP president L K Advani. The blasts claimed 58 lives and left over 230 injured. The attack was orchestrated to disrupt Advani’s public rally and send a chilling message.
Basha’s group, Al Ummah, founded in 1990, was a militant outfit with a history of extremist activities. He was also convicted in the attack on prominent Hindu Munnani leader Rama Gopalan. Following the Coimbatore blasts, Al Ummah was banned, and Basha was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Basha’s Health and Interim Bail
Amid declining health, Basha’s daughter, B Mubeena, filed a petition seeking his release. In August last year, the Madras High Court granted Basha three-month interim bail after the Tamil Nadu government refrained from opposing the plea. This decision triggered controversy as BJP leaders pointed out that the Supreme Court had earlier rejected bail petitions for several convicts in the same case.
Political Reactions and BJP’s Criticism
Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai criticised the DMK government for “minority appeasement” and expressed concern over safety being sidelined. “Despite all this, the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution to prematurely release 335 life prisoners, including nine Muslims,” Annamalai stated. “All the convicts in this case are radical Islamic fundamentalists. It seems minority appeasement has taken the driver’s seat while the safety of those who elected them has taken a back seat.”
Grand Funeral Plans and Police Mobilisation
Basha’s son, Siddiq Ali, confirmed that his father passed away at 6:20 PM on June 16. The family has planned to take his body to his native place in South Ukkadam for burial at the Hyder Ali Tippu Sultan Sunnath Jamaath Masjid in Coimbatore’s Flower Market area. Reports suggest that a grand funeral procession is being organised, prompting concerns from BJP and other critics who fear attempts to glorify Basha.
Critics have pointed out that there have been deliberate efforts in Tamil Nadu to portray Basha as a victim of conspiracy. “While condolences are being offered, it is not advisable to allow a grand funeral procession that could project him as a hero,” BJP leaders warned.
To prevent any untoward incidents, large contingents of police have been deployed across Coimbatore, particularly around Ukkadam and the masjid area.
Past Extremism and Continued Links to Terror
Basha, once a cleric in Coimbatore, was not only responsible for the Coimbatore blasts but also for mobilising people into militant activities. One of his close relatives, Mohammed Dhalka, was detained in connection with the 2022 Coimbatore car bomb blast, underscoring the lingering network of extremism. Additionally, Basha’s brother, Nawab Khan, was sentenced to life imprisonment along with 27 years of rigorous punishment in the same 1998 bomb blast case.
Basha had also openly issued threats against political figures. In July 2003, after his conviction, he threatened to kill then-Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi during a court appearance in Coimbatore.
Controversial Political Reactions from Seeman and Vanniarasu
The passing of S A Basha has sparked fresh political controversies. Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman, known for his provocative statements and association with separatist ideologies, posted a tribute to Basha on social media platform X, referring to him as a “father figure”.
Seeman wrote, “The death of father Basha is a great tragedy! The powerless situation of not being able to rescue my father despite knowing that injustice was being done gives me great mental pain and guilt. The fact that father Basha, who was striving to obtain the great right of freedom, has achieved freedom only through death is a tragedy.”
Seeman’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism, with many accusing him of glorifying a convicted terrorist under the garb of “minority appeasement.”
Meanwhile, Vanniarasu, a functionary of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and known for his pro-LTTE and Hindu-phobic stance, stirred controversy by hugging Basha upon his bail release last year. His recent social media post offering “Veer Salutes” (Veera Vanakkam) to Basha has further fueled public outrage. Critics have demanded that Vanniarasu be booked under the National Security Act (NSA).
Calls for Government Action
BJP and opposition leaders have urged the DMK government to ensure law and order is maintained and to prevent the funeral procession from becoming a public spectacle that glorifies Basha. Critics have warned that such events risk emboldening extremist sentiments and dishonouring the memory of the victims of the 1998 Coimbatore blasts.
Security Measures in Place
Given the heightened tensions, police have taken preventive measures across Coimbatore. Large deployments have been made to monitor the procession route and the burial site, ensuring no escalation of violence or communal tensions.
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