Key accomplice in Bengaluru cafe bombings arrested by counter-terrorism agencies

Rameshwaram Cafe resumed business on March 9, eight days after the blast.

A key conspirator in the Bengaluru Rameshwaram cafe blast case was arrested today by the National Investigation Agency following massive raids at multiple locations across three states. The popular cafe was severely damaged by the March 1 explosion, which injured several patrons and hotel staff.

Muzammill Shareef provided logistical support to the other two identified accused in the case, with National Investigation Agency or National Intelligence Agency teams operating at 18 locations (12 in Karnataka, 12 in Tamil Nadu 5 from Germany and 1 from Uttar Pradesh) were arrested after conducting crackdowns.

The National Intelligence Agency, which took over the case on March 3, had earlier identified Mussavir Shazeeb Hussain, the main accused who carried out the blast. It also identified another co-conspirator, Abdul Matheen Taha, who was wanted by the agency in other cases. Both are on the run.

Abdul Matheen Taha has been missing since 2020.

Musavir Shaqib Hussain allegedly left a bag containing an improvised explosive device inside the cafe.

The NIA had earlier sought people’s help in identifying the suspects. The Central Crime Branch of Bengaluru Police is also assisting the anti-terror agency in the case. It also shared multiple videos and photos of the main accused to identify him.

Raids were carried out today at the houses of all three accused, as well as the homes and shops of other suspects. Various digital devices were seized during the search, as well as cash.

On March 13, the National Intelligence Service detained a man believed to be an accomplice of the main suspect.

Rameshwaram Cafe resumed operations on March 9 (eight days after the blast) with enhanced security measures. Metal detectors are installed at the entrance and customers are screened using hand-held detectors to ensure the safety of customers and staff.