Bengaluru Cafe Blast Suspects Arrested: NIA Crackdown on Terrorism

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended the main suspects responsible for the explosion at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru from West Bengal. Mussavir Hussain Shazib, who planted the bomb, and Abdul Matheen Taha, identified as the mastermind, were apprehended in Kolkata. Both individuals were already wanted in connection with a terrorism case from 2020, with Taha linked to the Bengaluru Module of ISIS — Al Hind. The arrests were made following coordinated efforts between central intelligence agencies and law enforcement personnel from West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala, revealing potential sleeper cell networks across multiple states.

After the blast, Shazib and Taha fled to Kolkata via different routes, using false identities to evade capture. Shazib took a series of buses, traveling through multiple states before reaching Kolkata via Odisha. Meanwhile, Taha traveled to Kolkata from Tamil Nadu. Despite their attempts to conceal their whereabouts, both suspects were apprehended in Kolkata while planning to leave the city. The NIA had previously released photographs and details of the suspects, offering a reward for information leading to their arrest.

The NIA's investigation into the Rameshwaram Cafe blast has shed light on the activities of the suspects, including their efforts to conceal their identities and evade law enforcement. The apprehension of Shazib and Taha underscores the agency's commitment to combatting terrorism and dismantling extremist networks operating within the country. The arrest may also help uncover additional information about the terrorist organization's activities and connections within India.