After an extensive investigation spanning over 40 days, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a significant discovery in the Bengaluru Rameswaram Cafe blast case. The two key suspects, Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taahaa and Mussavir Hussain Shazib, have been detained after their movements were traced throughout the nation. They were apprehended in West Bengal and subsequently brought to Bengaluru on April 12.
Tracing Suspects’ Movements
Investigators obtained CCTV footage showing the accused checking into Dream Guest House in Kolkata’s Ekbalpur district. They stayed at the hotel from March 25 to March 28, using false names. This occurred before their arrival in the East Midnapore region. The suspects changed their addresses frequently after leaving Karnataka to evade arrest by law enforcement agencies, staying in multiple small guest houses and hotels. They predominantly used cash for payments to avoid leaving an electronic footprint of their identities and movements. The breakthrough came after search operations were conducted at 18 locations across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, ultimately leading to their apprehension in Kanthi, a small city 180 km away from Kolkata.
Details of the Case
Officials disclosed that Shazib had placed the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the Rameswaram Cafe on ITPL Road in Brookefield, Bengaluru, injuring ten individuals. Taahaa is suspected to be the mastermind behind the attack. The NIA took over the probe on March 3 and announced a reward of ₹10 lakh for any information leading to the arrest of the two suspects.
Official Statement
“The accused had been staying in a lodge in Bengal,” officials informed NDTV regarding the detention of Shazib and Taahaa.
