Rameshwaram Cafe Blast Case: NIA arrest another accused Abdul Shakoor linked with banned PFI

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Abdul Shakoor (32), identified as a member of the banned terror outfit Popular Front of India (PFI), from Dasana Koppa village in Banavasi taluka, Karnataka. Shakoor stands accused of allegedly inciting individuals involved in several recent terror incidents, including the Mangaluru cooker blast, Bengaluru Rameshwaram cafe explosion, and Shivamogga blast. He was swiftly taken to an undisclosed location following his arrest.

NIA’s operation leading to Shakoor’s arrest involved raids conducted across Sirsi and Banavasi, culminating in his capture. Shakoor, who had returned home to celebrate Bakri-Eid, was reportedly linked to multiple terror organizations and maintained contact with them through online channels.

Media reports suggest Shakoor may have acquired a passport using fraudulent documents. Sources indicate that his arrest is connected to suspicions regarding his role in the Mangaluru and Rameswaram cafe explosions. Prior to his arrest, NIA conducted a search at Shakoor’s residence in Dasankoppa, Sirsi Taluk, with assistance from local law enforcement personnel.

Earlier on April 11, the NIA arrested the mastermind and the perpetrator behind the explosion at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru. Identified as Abdul Matheen Taha and Mussavir Hussain Shazeb, the two key absconders in the Rameswaram Cafe blast case were apprehended by the NIA team from their hideout near Kolkata.

Mussavir Hussain Shazib is the accused who placed the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the cafe and Abdul Matheen Taha is the mastermind behind the planning, execution of blast and subsequent evasion from the clutches of law.

The NIA had also requested “the cooperation of all in arrest of absconding accused persons.” As part of investigation into Rameshwaram Cafe blast dated March 1 at ITPL Road in Bengaluru’s Whitefield, Bengaluru, the NIA had identified the two key accused person who carried out the IED blast. The two accused are residents of Thirthahalli area in Karnataka’s Shivamogga district.

Further, as part of investigation one Muzammil Shareef, a resident of Khalsa in Chikkamagaluru, who extended logistics support to the main accused persons, was arrested on March 26 and was examined in police custody.

As part of efforts to locate and arrest the absconding accused persons, the NIA had conducted searches on 18 locations in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

On March 1, a bomb blast at the popular eatery Rameshwaram Café in the Brookfield area raised significant concerns for civil society and security agencies alike. The explosion, caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), injured nine individuals who are currently recovering under medical care. The blast has left a lasting impact on the local community and has prompted a rigorous investigation by authorities.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is actively pursued leads to apprehend the culprit behind the blast. The NIA has released a rough sketch of a suspect, captured on CCTV wearing a cap and backpack, and has announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to their arrest. Despite these efforts, the handlers behind the attack remain at large.

Dr. Alok Mohan, Director General of Police (DGP) of Karnataka, visited the scene to assess the damage and oversee the investigation. A team of forensic experts collected evidence from the site, which suffered significant damage including the verandah’s tarpaulin shelter, iron railings, wall-mounted glasses, and roof.

According to reports, the suspect arrived at Rameshwaram Café on March 1 via BMTC bus. After ordering a Rava Idli at the food counter, he left without consuming his meal but left behind a bag containing the IED. The device exploded at 12:55 PM, roughly an hour after the suspect departed, injuring around ten people. CCTV footage captured the suspect placing the bag inside the café, and preliminary investigations suggest the IED was equipped with a timer.

Further, the Bengaluru Police have registered a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Substances Act. On March 3, the investigation was handed over to the NIA, which has re-registered the case and is actively following various leads.

Congress leader Sharanprakash Rudrappa Patil addressed the media shortly after the blast, condemning the act and asserting the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and focusing on the state’s development. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar assured the public that the incident is being thoroughly investigated from all angles. He mentioned that several teams, including a team from the NIA, are probing the incident and urged Bangaloreans not to worry, describing the blast as a low-intensity explosion.

Rameshwaram Café, established in 2021 by founders Raghavendra Rao and Divya Raghavendra Rao as a tribute to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a statement, Divya Raghavendra Rao emphasised their cooperation with the authorities and their support for the injured and their families. The café management announced that the Brookfield branch will reopen to the public on March 9 at 6:30 AM.