Rameshwaram Blast Case Widens: Two More Suspects Held In West Bengal

Two fugitives involved in the Bengaluru Rameswaram Cafe blast case were held in West Bengal, as announced by a spokesperson for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday. The spokesperson further stated that one of the detainees had planted the low-intensity Improvised Explosive Device (IED), while the other was the mastermind behind its planning and execution.

Abul Matheen Taha and Mussavir Hussain Shazeb, two suspects in the Bengaluru Rameswaram Cafe blast case, were arrested in West Bengal. Taha is believed to be the mastermind behind the planning and execution of the blast, while Shazeb is accused of planting the low-intensity Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the café. They were traced to their hideout near Kolkata and were found to be living under false identities and that they carried out the blast in coordination with some accused associated with ISIS.

The pursuit of the two accused was supported by coordinated efforts between the NIA, Central Intelligence agencies, and State Police agencies of West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala.

CCTV footage allegedly captured Shazeb near the cafe and later on buses in Karnataka following the explosion.

Earlier, Muzammil Shareef was arrested on March 27 for allegedly providing logistical support, including cell phones and fake SIM cards, used in planning and executing the blast that injured nine individuals.

The explosion, which occurred at the bustling Rameswaram Cafe, prompted a thorough investigation involving multiple agencies. Initial inquiries focused on an individual who left an unclaimed bag near the cafe's cash counter.

Upon inspecting the blast site, authorities recovered a battery and a timer, indicating that the explosion had been premeditated. Footage from immediately after the blast depicted people fleeing the scene, seeking shelter from the debris, smoke, and fire.

A case has been filed under the anti-terror laws, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Explosives Act in connection with the incident.