Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast: NIA arrests key conspirator after multiple raids

In a significant development in Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe blast case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA)has arrested a key conspirator after massive raids were conducted across multiple locations in three states.

The key conspirator identified as Muzammil Shareef, was picked up as a co-conspirator and 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.

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

The NIA had identified the main accused, Mussavir Shazeeb Hussain, earlier who carried out the blast.

The agency released a statement saying that another key conspirator, Abdul Matheen Taha, is also wanted by the NIA in several other cases.

“Both the men are on the run,” it added.

The NIA probes showed that Muzammil Shareef had provided logistic support to two others who were identified as accused in the case.

“Raids were conducted today at the houses of all these three accused as well as the residential premises and shops of other suspects,” said the statement by the probe agency.

Several digital devices and cash were seized during the searches, said the agency.

"Efforts are on to nab the absconding accused and unearth the larger conspiracy behind the blast," the statement added.

The blast wounded several customers and hotel staff members of the cafe and caused severe damage to the eatery.

(With inputs from agencies)