In the Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday announced a reward of ₹ 10 lakh for each tip that leads to the apprehension of two major suspects, one of whom was hiding his identity behind a Hindu name.
According to its postings on X, the agency asked the public for information on the two people wanted in the case: Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taahaa alias Abdul Matheen Taha alias Matheen alias Taha alias Vignesh D alias Sumit “or any other assumed Hindu name.” Mussavir Hussain Shazib alias Shazeb alias Md Juned Hussain alias Mohammed Juned Sayed.
Taha, aged about 30 years, has been using Hindu identity documents, forged Aadhaar card in the name of Vignesh or other similar forged ID documents to conceal identity, the NIA said.
The agency shared their pictures and identified men’s/boys’ hostel, PG/sharing accommodations/ low budget hotels and lodges as their preferred places of stay.
The NIA said accused Shazib, aged 30 years, prefers to wear “jeans, T-shirt and shirt” and “black smart watch”.
Both Shazib and Taha often wear “mask, wig and fake beard”, it said.
Whoever provides any information leading to the arrest of the accused person shall be given ₹ 10 lakh reward, the NIA said in identical public notice on each of the accused, shared on X.
People can share details regarding these two accused through email at info.blr.nia@gov.in or through telephone numbers 080-29510900, 8904241100, besides the NIA’s office in Bengaluru.
“Identity of (the) informer will be kept secret,” it said.
The NIA made a significant breakthrough on Wednesday when they detained Muzammil Shareef, the main conspirator in the blast case.
According to NIA investigations, Muzammil Shareef provided logistical support to these two wanted individuals in connection with the March 1 IED explosion at the cafe on ITPL Road, Brookefield, Bengaluru.
Following an NIA crackdown at 18 locations, including 12 in Karnataka, 5 in Tamil Nadu, and 1 in Uttar Pradesh, Muzammil Shareef was apprehended on Wednesday and taken into custody as a co-conspirator.
The NIA took over the probe on March 3.
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