New Delhi: In a major breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a key conspirator linked to the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case in Bengaluru, as per an official statement released on Thursday.
Muzammil Shareef was arrested on Wednesday as a co-conspirator following NIA's crackdown at 18 different locations, including 12 in Karnataka, five in Tamil Nadu, and one in Uttar Pradesh, the NIA statement said.
Taking charge of the case on March 3, the NIA had previously identified Mussavir Shazeeb Hussain as the prime accused responsible for orchestrating the blast. Additionally, another accomplice, Abdul Matheen Taha, was identified, who is also wanted by the agency in connection with other cases, the NIA statement mentioned, noting that both individuals are currently absconding.
According to NIA investigations, Muzammil Shareef provided logistical support to the other two accused identified in the incident, which involved an IED explosion at the cafe situated on ITPL Road, Brookefield, Bengaluru, on March 1. Several customers and hotel staffers sustained injuries, some of whom were severely injured, while the café property suffered extensive damage.
"Raids were conducted today at the houses of all these three accused as well as the residential premises and shops of other suspects," the NIA statement said, adding that various digital devices and cash were seized during these searches.
The NIA asserted ongoing efforts to nab the remaining suspects and unravel the broader conspiracy behind the blast.
Earlier last week, the probe agency had taken another suspect, identified as Shabbir, into custody, who was nabbed from Karnataka’s Ballari district. As per reports, Shabbir was believed to have information about the blast and was detained based on his travel history. The NIA also said that the man has "some resemblance" with the prime suspect in the case.