New Delhi: In a significant breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday said that it has arrested the perpetrator and mastermind behind the explosion at Rameshwaram cafe in Bengaluru. Identified as Abdul Matheen Taha and Mussavir Hussain Shazeb, the two key absconders were traced to their hideout near Kolkata and subsequently apprehended by the NIA team.
According to officials, Mussavir Hussain Shazib is the accused who planted the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the cafe, while Abdul Matheen Taha is the alleged mastermind behind the planning, execution of the blast, and subsequent evasion from law enforcement.
The successful operation to capture the absconding accused near Kolkata was lauded by the NIA, highlighting the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies including those from West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala.
The arrests mark a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Rameshwaram Cafe blast, which occurred on March 1 at ITPL Road in Bengaluru’s Whitefield area. The NIA, in its statement, emphasized the meticulous approach taken to widen the scope of the investigation, including delving into the social circles and past associations of the accused.
As part of its investigative process, the agency intensified efforts by summoning and scrutinizing acquaintances, including friends from school and college, of both absconding and arrested individuals. This meticulous approach underscores the agency’s commitment to gathering crucial evidence and piecing together the puzzle surrounding the alleged activities of the accused.
The NIA’s relentless pursuit of justice also saw the issuance of rewards of Rs 10 lakh each on March 29 for information leading to the arrest of the two key absconders. Additionally, earlier arrests and searches conducted across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh reflect the agency’s proactive approach in bringing those responsible for the blast to justice.
With the apprehension of the alleged perpetrators, the NIA’s investigation enters a crucial phase, aiming to unravel the motives and connections behind the tragic incident at Rameshwaram cafe. As the investigation progresses, the agency continues to seek all stakeholders’ cooperation in ensuring accountability and uphold the rule of law.
