NIA arrests bomber and accomplice from West Bengal in Bengaluru cafe blast case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested bomber Mussavir Hussain Shazib and Abdul Matheen Taha in connection with the Bengaluru cafe blast case from a hideout on the outskirts of Kolkata on Friday. Shazib is the one who placed the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the cafe, while Taha is the mastermind behind the planning.
After receiving information about their movements in Assam and West Bengal, the NIA apprehended the accused, Shazib and Taha, who were wanted for their involvement in the blast. Shazib, also known as Shazeb, hails from Thirthahalli town in Karnataka’s Shivamogga district. Taha, who goes by multiple aliases, was wanted in other cases as well.
According to NIA sources, “Shazib is the accused who placed the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the cafe and Taha is the mastermind behind the planning, execution of blast, and subsequent evasion from the clutches of law.” The West Bengal Police confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects were apprehended from Purba Medinipur in a joint operation.
It was revealed that Shazib used forged documents to conceal his identity, including a Hindu identity card forged as Vignesh. The low-intensity IED was manufactured in Cuddalore city of Tamil Nadu and brought to Bengaluru by Mussavir, who met with Taha before planting the bomb at the Rameshwaram Café in the IT corridor region.
The NIA had taken over the case on March 3 and identified Mussavir as the main accused in the cafe blast case. Earlier, Muzamil Shareef was arrested for his involvement in providing logistic support to the accused. The blast in the cafe had resulted in injuries to several staff members and extensive damage to the property.
The proactive role of the West Bengal Police in apprehending the suspects has been appreciated by the central intelligence agencies. The state police emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of the people by remaining vigilant against nefarious activities.
