New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified Mussavir Hussain Shazib as the key accused responsible for the blast at a cafe in Bengaluru on March 1, with Abdul Matheen Taahaa as the co-conspirator.
In efforts to locate and apprehend the accused, who are currently evading arrest, the NIA conducted searches at 18 locations spread across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, as confirmed by an NIA spokesperson.
The blast, which occurred at the Rameshwaram Cafe on ITPL Road, Brookefield, Bengaluru, resulted in several injuries.
In the ongoing investigation, Muzammil Shareef, a resident of Khalsa, Chikkamagaluru, was arrested on March 26 for providing logistical support to the main accused individuals. Shareef has since been examined in police custody.
On March 29, the agency announced rewards of ₹10 lakh for any information leading to the arrest of each fugitive involved in the case.
As part of the probe, the NIA has been summoning and examining acquaintances of both the absconding suspects and those already apprehended, including college and school friends, to gather pertinent evidence and information.
Given the nature of the incident as a terror-related act, the NIA cautioned against disclosing information about witnesses, citing potential risks to their safety and the potential hindrance to the investigation process. The agency emphasized the importance of verified information to ensure effective progress in the case.
The NIA has called for the cooperation of all parties involved in facilitating the arrest of the absconding accused individuals.
