Bengaluru Blast Case: NIA Makes Breakthrough and Detains Two Key Suspects from Bengal
NIA Detains Key Suspects in Rameshwaram Cafe Blast
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Mussavir Hussain Shazib, the primary accused in the Rameshwaram Cafe explosion. That occurred in Bengaluru on March 1, along with his co-conspirator Abdul Matheen Taahaa.
Shazib and Taahaa, both residents of Thirthahalli in Karnataka’s Shivamogga district, were discovered at a hideout in East Midnapore’s Digha. Sources suggest that DNA samples were retrieved from a discarded baseball cap found near a place of worship after the blast. Likely to be used for confirming the suspects’ identities.
“On the early morning hours of 12.04.2024, NIA successfully traced the absconding accused near Kolkata. Where they were hiding under false identities. This achievement by NIA was made possible through coordinated efforts and cooperation between NIA, Central Intelligence agencies, and State Police agencies of West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala,” stated the probe agency.
Bengaluru Blast Case: NIA Makes Breakthrough and Detains Two Key Suspects from Bengal
Previously, NIA spokespersons mentioned the arrest of several suspects during raids across 18 locations in three states. Including 12 in Karnataka, five in Tamil Nadu, and one in Uttar Pradesh. Among them was Muzammil Shareef from Khalsa, Chikkamagaluru, who provided logistical support to the perpetrator of the blast.
According to NIA sources, Shareef, Hussain, and Taha are associated with ISIS modules. Some reports also link them to the Shivamogga graffiti case and the Mangaluru cooker blast from November last year.
On March 29, the agency announced rewards of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of each fugitive involved.