New Delhi: On Tuesday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed a series of coordinated raids across multiple states in connection with its inquiry into the Rameshwaram Cafe explosion in Bengaluru, officials disclosed. The blast, which occurred on March 1, inflicted significant injuries on numerous patrons and hotel staff, with several individuals sustaining severe wounds. The explosion resulted in substantial damage to the establishment, situated in the prominent IT hub.
The investigative actions were prompted by intelligence linking certain suspects to the perpetrators of the incident, authorities indicated. Among the areas subjected to these raids were Kumaraswamy Layout and Banashankari in Bengaluru, officials confirmed. “Raids are being conducted at various locations across multiple states,” a senior NIA official stated.
The investigative agency, which assumed control of the case on March 3, apprehended two principal suspects on April 12, including the alleged mastermind, Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taahaa.
Taahaa, along with the co-accused, Mussavir Hussain Shazib, purportedly planted the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the cafe. Both were detained at a lodge near Kolkata, where they were residing under false identities. The two suspects are believed to be affiliated with the Shivamogga-based Islamic State module. Shariq, another member of the same faction, was responsible for orchestrating the Mangaluru explosion on November 19, 2022, officials noted.