Karnataka Minister Credits Police Tip-Off For NIA Arrest In Rameshwaram Cafe Blast Case

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara commended both state police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for their work in arresting the Bengaluru Rameshwaram cafe blast prime suspects.

"Both the NIA and Karnataka police have done a wonderful job. Initially, we got all the CCTV footage and kept track of one of the accused, which helped in their arrest," he said.

Parameshwara highlighted the crucial role state police played by providing valuable information to the NIA. He credited their tip regarding a cap purchased by one of the accused in Chennai and the phone number used at the store as leads in the case.

"Our police shared very good inputs with the NIA, like the cap the accused was wearing, which was purchased from Chennai, and the telephone number he has given in the shop," he pointed out.

The Minister revealed that authorities are investigating the suspects' connections to other terror outfits, including ISIS, due to their alleged involvement in a previous blast in Shivamogga. He also mentioned the possibility of them attempting to flee to Bangladesh from West Bengal, where they were apprehended.

Parameshwara stated that investigators are working to determine the exact motive behind the blast. He confirmed that both accused, Adbul Matheen Taha and Mussavir Hussain Shazeb, are natives of Shivamogga and were classmates. "Unfortunately, this incident occurred in Bengaluru, and both suspects are from Shivamogga, Karnataka, and had studied together," he said.

The suspects, identified as Abdul Matheen Taha and Mussavir Hussain Shazeb, were apprehended by the NIA in Kolkata on Friday.

CCTV footage shows they stayed at Kolkata's Dream Guest House from March 25 to March 28, using false identities.

"They arrived on March 25 and presented their identity cards, following which we provided them a room. They checked out on March 28. Upon the arrival of NIA officials, they inspected the entry register and initiated an investigation. Since we do not offer meals at the hotel, they would go out to eat. They paid in cash and reserved only one room, conversing in their regional language," stated an employee of the guest house.