NIA Apprehends Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe Blast Accused: ‘Mastermind’ and IED Planter Nabbed

GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 12th April. In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) apprehended two individuals, including the alleged “mastermind,” in connection with the Rameshwaram Cafe blast that occurred on March 1 near Kolkata, West Bengal.

The individuals have been identified as Mussavir Hussain Shazib, the person who planted the IED at the Rameshwaram Cafe, and Abdul Matheen Taha, the mastermind behind planning and executing the blast, according to a statement released by the NIA.

“In the early morning hours of April 12, 2024, the NIA successfully located the absconding suspects near Kolkata, where they were hiding under false identities. This operation, carried out by the NIA, was supported by coordinated efforts between NIA, Central Intelligence agencies, and State Police agencies of West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala,” the NIA statement said.

Details of the Suspects

“Mussavir Hussain Shazib is the individual who placed the IED at the cafe, while Abdul Matheen Taha is the mastermind behind the blast and subsequent evasion from law enforcement,” the statement added.

The NIA had previously announced a reward of 10 lakh rupees for information leading to the arrest of the bomber involved in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast. The agency assured the confidentiality of informants’ identities.

NIA Releases Image of the Suspect

The NIA also shared a picture of the suspect captured from CCTV footage, showing the individual placing a bag in the Rameshwaram Cafe, a popular eatery in Bengaluru’s Brookfield area.

In the image released by the NIA, the suspect is seen wearing a cap, black pants, and black shoes.

The NIA emphasized that any information leading to the suspect’s arrest would be rewarded.

Three days after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) transferred the case to the NIA, the agency declared the reward.

NIA Takes Control of the Investigation

The case was transferred to the NIA on March 3 after an NIA team visited the blast site. The explosion occurred at the cafe on March 1 in Bengaluru’s Whitefield area, resulting in injuries to several individuals during lunch hour.

Previously, the Bengaluru Police had filed a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act in connection with the blast.

The blast occurred at 1 pm on March 1, and the police identified a suspect in CCTV footage placing a bag inside the cafe. The investigation suggested that an IED device with a timer was used in the explosion.