NIA Chargesheets Four Accused in Rameshwaram Cafe Blast Case

The NIA has charged four individuals in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast in Bengaluru. The accused, involved in an IED explosion, were previously arrested and identified as ISIS radicals. Investigations revealed their use of fraudulent documents, engagement in radicalizing youth, and financial transactions through cryptocurrency.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheets against four individuals on Monday for their involvement in the Rameshwaram cafe blast in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

According to an NIA release, the accused—Mussavir Hussain Shazib, Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taaha, Maaz Muneer Ahmed, and Muzammil Shareef—face charges under multiple acts, including the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P)A), Explosive Substances Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act (PDPP).

All four accused were arrested earlier and are in judicial custody. The IED explosion, which occurred on March 1 this year, injured nine people and significantly damaged the cafe property. The NIA's investigation began on March 3, involving extensive technical and field investigations in coordination with multiple agencies.

Investigations revealed Shazib planted the bomb and, along with Taaha, had been absconding since 2020 after the Al-Hind module was busted. They were arrested from hiding in West Bengal 42 days post-explosion. Both men are from Shivamogga District, Karnataka, and were actively radicalizing other youth into the ISIS ideology. Ahmed and Shareef were among their recruits.

The probe also uncovered that Taaha and Shazib used fraudulent Indian SIM cards, bank accounts, and identity documents from the Dark Web. They were funded via cryptocurrencies to carry out violence in Bengaluru, including a failed IED attack at the State BJP Office.

The investigation is ongoing, stated the NIA release.

(With inputs from agencies.)