Kasim, a prime suspect in the blasts on three trains on December 6 last, which claimed nine lives and wounded 52 others, had long been evading the police dragnet. His arrest was announced by Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister N Veerasamy in the State Assembly, on behalf of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

Besides the train blasts, Kasim was also suspected to be involved in several other cases of terrorism in the city. Police commissioner P Kalimuthu told newsmen that a two-wheeler in which Kasim was riding pillion was stopped by the squad on suspicion. The rider immediately abandoned it and managed to escape. However, Kasim stood his ground and threatened the police personnel with a knife, but was overpowered. A country bomb was also seized from him.Kasim and others bers had allegedly planted bombs in thePandian Express, Cheran Express and Alleppey Express on the night of December 5 when the trains left Chennai. The bombs went off at Tiruchirappalli, Erode and Thrissur in Kerala on December 6, coinciding with the anniversary ofBabri Masjid demolition.