NIA arrests bomber Mussavir Hussain, mastermind Abdul Taaha in Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast case

NIA apprehends key suspects in Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast: Mussavir Hussain Shazib and mastermind Abdul Mateen Taahaa arrested after months on the run. Investigation reveals a broader network connection to other bomb blasts. Authorities caution against unverified news in terror probes. NIA intensifies search efforts with circulated suspect photos.

NIA arrests bomber Mussavir Hussain Shazib in Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast case vkp

Vinaykumar Patil

First Published Apr 12, 2024, 9:26 AM IST | Last Updated Apr 12, 2024, 11:30 AM IST

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended two key suspects in the Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast case. The key bomber, Mussavir Hussain Shazib and the mastermind behind the blast, Abdul Mateen Taahaa has been arrested. Following meticulous investigation and intelligence gathering, the NIA team managed to track down the terrorists who had been on the run for several months. Hussain was apprehended by the NIA in a coordinated operation. Reports suggest that they were under hiding in Assam and West Bengal.

The identification of a suspect, Mussavir Hussain Shazib, was facilitated by a cap he wore, aiding police in identifying him and his associate, Abdul Mateen Taahaa, in CCTV images before they purchased the cap. The suspected terrorist, hailing from Karnataka, has been on the NIA's radar, with suspicions pointing to connections with militant groups in the Malenadu region. This revelation has shed light on a broader network of individuals involved in bomb blasts and conspiracy cases, including incidents in Mangalore and Coimbatore.

Rameshwaram Cafe blast case: NIA identifies accused, cautions against unverified news in terror investigation

In a press release issued by the NIA, it was revealed that the apprehended individuals, identified as Abdul Mateen Taahaa and Musavir Hussain Shajib, are believed to be linked to the heinous attack that rocked the small town of Rameswaram. According to NIA officials, Musavir Hussain Shajib was responsible for planting an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Shajib's cafe, which he then detonated. Meanwhile, Abdul Mateen Taahaa was allegedly the mastermind behind the sinister plot, planning to plant another bomb in the area.

NIA releases two suspects' pics in Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast case, declares Rs 10 lakh reward

Further investigations have revealed links between the suspect and previously jailed militants, namely Shariq, Mateen, and Musabir, suggesting a history of involvement in extremist activities. Despite evading authorities for the past 3-4 years, the NIA has managed to obtain crucial information regarding the suspect's identity, address, and history.

The NIA has intensified its search efforts, leveraging all available resources, including a circulated photo of the suspect to aid in identification. Despite attempts by the suspect to evade capture by frequently changing SIM cards and using basic phones, NIA officials remain vigilant and committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice.

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