Rameshwaram Cafe Blast: Two Arrested for Plotting and Planting Bomb at Bengaluru Cafe

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at 18 locations in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. The available evidence from the investigation points to Shazeb as the person who planted the explosive device inside a backpack at the popular eatery. Taha was identified as responsible for planning the attack and for their subsequent disappearance.

These recent arrests mark the second and third in this case. Last month, Muzammil Shareef, who provided logistical support to Shazeb and Taha, was taken into custody. The blast at Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe on March 1 resulted in injuries to 10 people, including customers and staff.

Fortunately, there were no fatalities, as the bag containing the explosives was placed in a less crowded area against a large pillar that absorbed much of the explosion’s impact. Following the blast, the NIA released photos and videos of the accused taken from CCTV footage across Bengaluru. One clip showed the accused, wearing a face mask, boarding a bus.

The agency had announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of each accused and had also questioned their acquaintances, including college and school friends. The Rameshwaram Cafe, which sustained extensive damage, resumed operations eight days after the blast with heightened security measures including metal detectors. Previously, the Bengaluru Police registered a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Substances Act in connection with the explosion at the cafe.