Counter-terrorism agencies identify key accused in Bengaluru cafe blasts

The agency has conducted searches at 18 locations in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

New Delhi:

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified Mussavir Hussain Shazib as the main accused in the March 1 blast at a cafe in Bengaluru and Abdul Matheen Taahaa as an accomplice.

An NIA spokesperson said that as part of efforts to locate and arrest the fugitive accused, the NIA has conducted searches at 18 locations in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

In the Rameshwaram cafe blast case, the NIA has identified the accused as Mussavir Hussain Shazib and the accomplice as Abdul Mateen Taha (Abdul Matheen Taahaa).

An explosion occurred at a cafe on ITPL Road in Brookfield, Bengaluru, injuring several people.

Furthermore, the spokesman said that Muzammil Shareef, a resident of Chikkamagaluru Khalsa who provided logistical support to the main accused, was arrested on March 26 and is being held in police custody for examination as part of the investigation.

The agency has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for each fugitive caught on March 29.

The spokesman said the NIA has been summoning and scrutinizing all acquaintances of the fugitive and arrested defendants, including college and school friends, to gather evidence and information in the case.

This was a horrific incident and any information about the identities of the witnesses, in addition to hindering the investigation, could put them in danger. The agency said unverified news also hampered effective investigation of the case.

The spokesman said the NIA has sought cooperation from all to arrest the absconding accused.

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