Did the funds for the July 13, 2011 Mumbai terror blast at Zaveri Bazaar, which claimed the lives of more than 10 people and injured several others, come from a business house in Dubai owned by a ‘respectable’ family in Bhatkal? Muzaffar Kola — a well known 65-year-old businessman from Bhatkal, based in Dubai — is reportedly under the scanner of the Maharashtra Anti Terrorist Squad for alleged involvement in the 2011 blast, masterminded by the Indian Mujahideen commander — Mohammed Zarar Sidibapa alias Yasin Bhatkal.
It’s a charge stoutly denied by the ailing Mr Kola and his family. The ATS team, which visited Bhatkal on June 3, has reportedly seized the passport of Mr Kola and is scanning the financial transactions of the multiple firms run by his family and their links with Yasin and other IM leaders. Official sources said ‘Kola Enterprises’ in Dubai reportedly run by the relatives of Mr Kola allegedly sent Rs 10 lakh through hawala operator Pathreja in Delhi, who in turn handed it to Yasin.
“Pathreja, who has been arrested, said he did not know Yasin and for what purpose the money was sent to him. Zaveri Bazar blasts were executed soon after the money was handed to Yasin. We are trying to find the handlers in Dubai and their links with the Bhatkal-based enterprises, Yasin and other IM leaders,” said the official source.