The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has successfully detained Mussavir Hussain Shazib, the main suspect responsible for the blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru on March 1, along with his co-conspirator Abdul Matheen Taahaa. Both individuals, residents of Thirthahalli in Shivamogga district of Karnataka, were apprehended at their hideout in East Midnapore’s Digha. DNA samples retrieved from a discarded baseball cap, found at a place of worship after the blast, are likely to be used by the NIA to confirm the suspects’ identities.

According to the NIA, the suspects were traced and apprehended near Kolkata on the early morning hours of April 12, 2024, thanks to coordinated efforts between the NIA, Central Intelligence agencies, and State Police agencies of West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala. Prior to these arrests, the NIA had conducted raids across 18 locations in three states, resulting in the arrest of several individuals, including Muzammil Shareef from Khalsa, Chikkamagaluru, who allegedly provided logistical support to the perpetrator of the blast.

All three individuals—Shareef, Hussain, and Taha—are reportedly associated with ISIS modules. There are indications that they may have been involved in other cases, including the Shivamogga graffiti case and the Mangaluru cooker blast case reported in November of the previous year. The NIA had announced rewards of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of each fugitive on March 29.