Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast: NIA announces reward for information on key suspects

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday (Mar 29) announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh (12,002 USD) for any information leading to the arrest of the key accused in Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe blast case.

The Federal probe agency took to its official X handle and shared pictures of two absconding key accused Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taahaa and Mussavir Hussain Shazib involved in the blast and asked the public for information on the two.

"Whoever provides any information leading to the arrest of the accused persons shall be rewarded," the post read further ensuring that the "identity of the informer will be kept secret."

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The agency, sharing details about one of the accused Tahaa, aged 30, said that he was using aliases such as Vignesh D and Sumit or a preferred Hindu name to conceal his identity.

He preferably wore T-shirts, jeans, capin terms of clothing and a black smartwatch.

NIA further said that he has been using forged Adhaar in the name of Vignesh or other similar forged ID documents in order to hide his identity.

"He often wears a mask, wig and fake beard. His preferred places of stay are men's and boys hostel, PG and sharing accommodations as well as low budget hotels and lodges," it said in the post.

Request for Information, Identity of the Informer will be kept Secret. pic.twitter.com/PBXPRH3DtB — NIA India (@NIA_India) March 29, 2024

Shazib, the NIA said was using a forged driving licence in the name of Mohammed Zuned Sayed to hide identity. His preferred dress code the agency said was jeans, T-shirt and shirt.

Both Shazib and Taha often wear "mask, wig and fake beard", it said.

Request for Information, Identity of the Informer will be kept Secret. pic.twitter.com/JkMUWay23m — NIA India (@NIA_India) March 29, 2024

The agency asked the public to share information about the accused via email at info.blr.nia.gov.in or callthrough telephone numbers 080-29510900, 8904241100.

NIA arrests key conspirator after multiple raids

The federal probe agency arrested a key conspirator, identified as Muzammil Shareef, after conducting multiple raids across several locations in three states.

Shareef was arrested on Wednesday (Mar 27) following NIA's crackdown at 18 locations, which included 12 in the state of Karnataka, one in Uttar Pradesh and five in Tamil Nadu.

“The NIA investigations have revealed that Muzammil Shareef had extended logistic support to the other two identified accused in the case...Various digital devices were seized during the searches, along with cash," the NIA said.

The Federal probe agency took over the case from the Karnataka Police on March 3.

The blast wounded several customers and hotel staffof the cafe and caused severe damage to the eatery.

(With inputs from the agencies)