(Image source from: PTI)

Today, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) apprehended the primary perpetrator involved in the Rameshwaram cafe explosion in Bengaluru. Following extensive raids across multiple locations in three states, Muzammil Shareef, who provided logistical assistance to the other two known suspects, was taken into custody. The blast, which occurred on March 1, resulted in injuries to numerous customers and hotel staff, causing significant damage to the popular cafe. The NIA's crackdown spanned 18 locations, including 12 in Karnataka, 5 in Tamil Nadu, and one in Uttar Pradesh. Taking over the case on March 3, the NIA previously identified the primary suspect, Mussavir Shazeeb Hussain, who executed the explosion. Another conspirator, Abdul Matheen Taha, wanted by the agency for other offenses, was also identified. Both individuals remain at large. Abdul Matheen Taha has been missing since 2020, while Mussavir Shazeeb Hussain allegedly left an improvised explosive device (IED) in a bag at the cafe. Earlier, the NIA had sought public assistance in identifying the suspect. The Central Crime Branch of the Bengaluru police is collaborating with the NIA in this counterterrorism investigation.

All three individuals suspected of involvement in the incident were targeted in a search operation, aimed at identifying the main culprit. Today, raids were carried out at the residences of the accused, as well as at the homes and businesses of other potential suspects. The searches resulted in the confiscation of various electronic devices and cash. Additionally, on March 13, the National Investigation Agency apprehended a man believed to be an associate of the primary suspect. The Rameshwaram Cafe, which had temporarily closed following the blast, reopened on March 9, implementing heightened security measures. To guarantee the safety of both customers and staff, metal detectors have been installed at the entrance, and handheld detectors are used to screen all patrons.