Arrests made in Bengaluru cafe blast case by NIA: Key suspects detained

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has successfully apprehended Mussavir Hussain Shazeb and Abdul Matheen Taha, the primary suspects behind the bombing at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru. The incident, which occurred on March 1, resulted in injuries to several customers and staff members. The suspects were captured in Kanthi, East Midnapore district, following a coordinated effort involving multiple state police forces and central agencies. The suspects are now in NIA custody, pending further investigation.

According to the NIA, Shazeb was responsible for physically placing the explosive device, which was concealed inside a backpack, at the cafe. Taha, on the other hand, orchestrated the attack’s planning and execution. This incident marks the second and third arrests related to this case, with Muzammil Shareef being detained previously for his role in providing logistical support to the attackers. Initial investigations revealed that the explosive was strategically placed in a less crowded area of the cafe, significantly reducing the potential for fatalities.

In response to the attack, the Rameshwaram Cafe has reopened with heightened security measures, including the installation of metal detectors. Raghavendra Rao, a co-founder of the cafe, emphasized the establishment’s commitment to safety by enhancing the training of security personnel. Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Police have filed charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Substances Act.

The swift apprehension of the suspects showcases the effectiveness of inter-state collaboration in addressing acts of terrorism. The strategic placement of the explosive device indicates a calculated approach by the perpetrators, aiming to cause disruption while minimizing casualties. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in urban security and the critical need for advanced intelligence and quick response capabilities in preventing future attacks.