As per NIA confirmation, a terrorist executing the March 1st blast at a Rameshwaram cafe in Bengaluru was previously sought in an NIA case. Despite being wanted, Musavir Husain Shaazib and Abdul Matin Taha carried out the bombing linked to the ISIS module in Shivamogga.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) achieved a significant breakthrough in the Rameshwaram cafe blast case. Following extensive raids across three states, a key conspirator has been apprehended by the NIA teams, which conducted operations at a total of 18 locations, including 12 in Karnataka, 5 in Tamil Nadu, and 1 in Uttar Pradesh.
Logistics Support Provided to the Terrorists
During this timeframe, co-conspirator Muzammil Sharif was detained. The NIA took over the case on March 3rd, having previously identified main suspect Musavir Shaazib Husain, who executed the blast. Another conspirator, Abdul Matin Taha, wanted in other cases, was also identified. Both individuals are on the run.
The NIA investigation revealed that Muzammil Sharif had provided logistics support to two other apprehended suspects. Raids were also conducted on residences and businesses belonging to other suspects, resulting in the seized cash and various digital devices. Efforts to capture the fugitive suspects and uncover the larger conspiracy behind the explosion are ongoing.
Bomb Blast Executed at Cafe on March 1st
It's noteworthy that on March 1st, a low-intensity bomb explosion occurred at the cafe's Brookfield outlet, injuring 10, including customers and staff. The blast filled the cafe with smoke and people were seen running to save their lives. Initially, it was suspected to be a gas cylinder explosion.
NIA Handed the Case After Initial Investigations
However, suspicions shifted when police and NIA teams arrived on the scene. Thereafter, the NIA completely took over the case. Subsequent investigations led to photos of the bomber. The terrorist was seen traveling on a bus, occasionally with a cap or a mask.
In response to the incident, the NIA posted pictures of the suspect, offering a 10 lakh cash reward for information leading to his capture.
Cafe Reopened on Maha Shivaratri
Following the blast, the cafe was grandly reopened on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. Metal detectors were placed at the entrance for customer checks. Every visitor would be screened with handheld detectors, and staff were vigilant for any suspicious activities.
Rameshwaram Cafe's co-founder and CEO, Raghavendra Rao, sang the national anthem with his employees before welcoming customers, all of whom had to pass through metal detectors. Raghavendra Rao affirmed the reinforcement of their security team, including plans to train all branch guards with a panel of ex-servicemen.
