The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made another significant breakthrough in the investigation of the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case, arresting an ex-convict with ties to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror conspiracy. Shoaib Ahmed Mirza, also known as Chhotu, aged 35 and a resident of Hubbali, Karnataka, has been apprehended by the NIA, becoming the fifth individual arrested in connection to the incident.
Investigations by the NIA revealed that Mirza, who had previously served time for his involvement in an LeT conspiracy case in Bengaluru, became embroiled in a new plot following his release from prison.
In 2018, he facilitated the introduction of Abdul Matheen Taha to an online handler, suspected to be located abroad. Mirza provided an encrypted email ID for communication between Taha and the handler. Taha, along with co-accused Mussavir Hussain Shazib, was apprehended on April 12 in Kolkata in connection with the Rameshwaram Café blast.
The explosion, caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), occurred at the cafe situated on ITPL Road, Brookfield, Bengaluru, resulting in injuries to several patrons and staff members. Following the incident on March 1, 2024, the NIA launched a widespread search operation, covering 29 locations across Bharat, as part of its investigation into the blast.
The NIA intensified its efforts to unravel the full extent of the conspiracy behind the Rameshwaram Cafe blast. On Tuesday, the agency conducted raids in multiple states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, targeting 11 locations linked to individuals suspected to be involved in handling the accused from abroad.
In a statement issued by the NIA, it was stated, “The NIA on Tuesday cracked down on multiple locations in four states as part of its efforts to uncover the entire conspiracy behind the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case and to identify the other conspirators involved in handling the accused from abroad.”
The NIA assumed control of the case on March 3 and has since made significant progress in apprehending key suspects. On April 12, Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taahaa, identified as the mastermind, and Mussavir Hussain Shazib, the alleged attacker, were arrested in Kolkata.
Both individuals hail from Thirthahalli in Shivamogga district, Karnataka, and are believed to be associated with an Islamic State group based in Shivamogga.
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