Bengaluru Cafe Blast Case : Two individuals involved in plotting and executing the blast at the Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru last month have been arrested from Kanthi in Bengal’s East Midnapore district, according to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Mussavir Hussain Shazeb and Abdul Matheen Taha were apprehended after a joint operation conducted by central intelligence agencies and police from Bengal, Karnataka, Telangana, and Kerala. They are currently being transported to Kolkata for further interrogation.
Arrests Made in Bengaluru Cafe Blast Case: Suspects Apprehended in Bengal
Shazeb is believed to have planted the explosive device, concealed inside a backpack, at the popular eatery, while Taha was responsible for planning the attack and orchestrating their escape. This arrest marks the second and third apprehensions in connection with the Bengaluru cafe blast case, following the arrest of Muzammil Shareef last month, who provided logistical support to Shazeb and Taha.
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Residents of Karnataka’s Shivamogga district, Shazeb and Taha were tracked down to Kanthi after officials conducted searches at 18 locations across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. The blast at Rameshwaram Cafe on March 1 resulted in injuries to 10 individuals, including customers and staff members.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities as the explosive device was placed in a relatively less crowded area and against a large pillar that absorbed much of the impact. Following the blast, the NIA released photos and videos of the suspects captured by CCTV cameras in Bengaluru, aiding in their identification and subsequent apprehension.
The NIA had announced a reward of ₹10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of each suspect and extensively questioned their acquaintances, including college and school friends. Despite suffering extensive damage, Rameshwaram Cafe reopened eight days after the blast with enhanced security measures, including the installation of metal detectors.
“We have strengthened our security team and are also trying to set up a separate panel of ex-servicemen who will train security guards at all our branches,” stated co-founder Raghavendra Rao, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring the safety of patrons and staff members.