NIA Apprehends Main Suspect in Rameshwaram Cafe Blast

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) apprehended the main perpetrator involved in the Bengaluru Rameshwaram cafe bombing case following widespread raids across three states. The explosion on March 1 resulted in numerous injuries to both patrons and employees of the cafe, causing extensive damage to the popular cafe.

Muzammil Shareef, who provided logistical assistance to the two other identified suspects in the case, was apprehended by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) following extensive operations across 18 locations. These locations included 12 in Karnataka, 5 in Tamil Nadu, and one in Uttar Pradesh.

NIA, which assumed control of the case on March 3, had previously identified the primary suspect, Mussavir Shazeeb Hussain, responsible for executing the blast. Additionally, it identified another collaborator, Abdul Matheen Taha, who is wanted by the agency in connection with other cases. Both individuals remain fugitives.

Abdul Matheen Taha has been missing since 2020.

Mussavir Shazeeb Hussain purportedly abandoned a bag containing an improvised explosive device (IED).

Previously, the NIA had appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the suspect. Additionally, the Central Crime Branch of the Bengaluru police is collaborating with the anti-terror agency in the investigation. Furthermore, they shared numerous videos and images of the primary suspect to aid in his identification.

Today, raids were carried out at the residences of all three accused individuals, as well as the homes and businesses of other suspects. These operations resulted in the confiscation of various digital devices and a sum of cash.

On March 13, the NIA detained an individual suspected to be an accomplice of the main suspect.

The Rameshwaram Cafe reopened its doors on March 9, just eight days after the explosion, implementing heightened security measures. Metal detectors have been installed at the entrance, and customers undergo screening with handheld detectors to safeguard both patrons and staff.