The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified the suspect in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case in Bengaluru. Through examination of over 1,000 CCTV cameras, the NIA pinpointed the suspect as Mussavir Hussain Shazib, a resident of Shivamogga in Karnataka’s Thirthahalli district. Shazib’s accomplice, Abdul Mateen Taha, also from Thirthahalli, was identified as well.
Taha, known for wearing a distinct cap purchased from a Chennai mall, was linked to the suspect. Investigation revealed Taha’s involvement in an ISIS module in Shivamogga, further corroborated by module members’ testimony. Taha was also captured on CCTV conducting surveillance of the cafe prior to the blast.
The NIA traced the cap’s purchase to a limited edition series sold in Chennai, with only 400 pieces sold. DNA analysis from hair found in the cap matched Shazib’s parents’ samples. Shazib’s parents confirmed his identity from CCTV footage.
The NIA is investigating Shazib’s potential travel from Chennai to plant the explosive and his last sighting in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. The blast, triggered by an IED bomb using a timer, injured ten individuals on March 1st.
