Key Conspirator In Bengaluru Cafe Blast Case Arrested By Anti-Terror Agency

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The main conspirator in the Rameshwaram cafe blast in Bengaluru was today arrested by the National Investigation Agency after massive raids at multiple locations in three states. The explosion on March 1 injured several customers and hotel staff, causing extensive damage to the popular café.

Muzammil Shareef, who provided logistical support to the other two identified suspects in the case, was arrested after the National Investigation Agency or NIA teams operated at 18 locations – 12 in Karnataka, 5 in Tamil Nadu and one in Uttar Pradesh.

NIA, which took over the case on March 3, had earlier identified the main suspect, Mussavir Shazeeb Hussain, who had carried out the blast. It also identified another conspirator, Abdul Matheen Taha, who was wanted by the agency in other cases. Both men are on the run.

Abdul Matheen Taha has been missing since 2020.

Mussavir Shazeeb Hussain is said to have left a bag containing an IED in the cafe.

Earlier, the NIA had sought people’s help in identifying the suspect. The Central Crime Branch of the Bengaluru Police is also assisting the anti-terrorist agency in the case. Several videos and photos of the main suspect were also shared so he could be identified.

The homes of all three suspects, as well as the homes and shops of other suspects, were raided today. Various digital devices and cash were seized during the searches.

On March 13, the NIA arrested a man believed to be an accomplice of the prime suspect.

The Rameshwaram Café resumed operations on March 9 – eight days after the blast – with enhanced security measures. Metal detectors have been installed at the entrance and customers are subject to screening with handheld detectors to ensure the safety of customers and staff.