NIA Arrests Suspects in Bengaluru Cafe Blast Case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended bomber Mussavir Hussain Shazib and his accomplice Abdul Matheen Taha from a hideout on the outskirts of Kolkata in West Bengal on Friday, in connection with the Bengaluru cafe blast case.
Shazib, also known as Shazeb, aged 30 and a resident of Thirthahalli town in Karnataka’s Shivamogga district, is believed to have placed the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the cafe. Taha, on the other hand, is considered the mastermind behind the planning, execution of the blast, and subsequent evasion from law enforcement.
After tracking their movements in Assam and West Bengal, the NIA made the arrests. Shazib, who carried a reward of Rs 10 lakh, had been using forged documents to conceal his identity, including Hindu identity documents and forged Aadhaar cards under various aliases.
The low-intensity IED used in the blast was reportedly manufactured in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. Taha orchestrated the bomb planting at Rameshwaram Café in Bengaluru’s IT corridor, where the explosion occurred on March 1, causing injuries and extensive property damage.
The West Bengal Police, in a joint operation with central intelligence agencies, confirmed the arrests, emphasizing the state’s commitment to counter-terrorism. The proactive role of the police in the matter was officially acknowledged, with assurances of continued vigilance to safeguard citizens from such activities.
Earlier, the NIA had arrested Muzamil Shareef, a key conspirator in the case, who provided logistical support to the accused. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further details surrounding the incident, which left several staff members injured.
