The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended the prime accused behind the blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru on Friday. The suspects, who had been on the run, were arrested in Kolkata, West Bengal.
According to NIA reports, Mussavir Hussain Shazib is identified as the individual who planted the improvised explosive device (IED) at the cafe. At the same time, Abdul Matheen Taha is alleged to be the mastermind behind the attack. Both individuals were already wanted in connection with a terrorism case from 2020.
The NIA has disclosed that Abdul Matheen Taha was associated with the Bengaluru Module of ISIS-Al-Hind.
The suspects had been concealing their identities using false documents. Mussavir Hussain Shazib was using the name ‘Mohammed Juned Sayed’, while Abdul Matheen Taha had obtained Hindu identity documents and a forged Aadhar card under the name Vignesh.
Their arrest followed a coordinated effort between various central intelligence agencies and law enforcement personnel from West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala. On March 29, the anti-terror agency released the photographs and details of the two accused and announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information on each of them.
ROLE IN BENGALURU’S RAMESHWARAM CAFE BLAST
The anti-terror agency has disclosed the specific roles of the two individuals arrested. According to their statement, Abdul Matheen Taha was identified as the mastermind behind the attack, and responsible for its planning. Meanwhile, Mussavir Hussain Shazib was tasked with placing the explosive device at the targeted cafe in Bengaluru.
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Additionally, Muzammil Shareef, a resident of Chikkamagaluru and another significant figure in the plot, was apprehended on March 26 for providing logistical support to the main suspects.
HOW NIA ARRESTED THE BENGALURU CAFE BLAST MASTERMIND AND THE BOMBER
The Blast occurred on March 1 at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru during the bustling lunch hour, causing injuries to several individuals. The case was transferred to the NIA on March 3 for further investigation.
Upon assuming control of the case, the agency meticulously reviewed CCTV footage, which provided crucial evidence for identifying the suspects involved in the blast. A photograph depicting the bomber placing a bag in the cafe, dressed in a cap, black pants, and black shoes, was released to the public. The NIA had identified Shazib and Taha, both residents of Thirthahalli in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka.
LET ME EXPLAIN YOU THE TIE LINE OF THE RAMESHWARAM CAFE BLAST
At 11:30 am, The unidentified individual/prime suspect entered the cafe premises after getting off a bus.
At 11:38 am, The person was seen on camera ordering a plate of Rava idli
At 11:44 am, The suspect reached the hand wash area of the cafe. He placed the bag, purportedly carrying the IED.
At 11:45 am, The suspect left the cafe.
At 12:56 pm, The blast took place at The Rameshwaram Cafe. At least 10 people were injured after an IED blast at the famous cafe located in Bengaluru’s Brookfield area.
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