Abdul Mateen Taha, suspected to be a "high-value asset" of the Islamic State terrorist group in India, was apprehended by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) along with Mussavir Hussain Shazib, his accomplice in the Bengaluru cafe blast. The arrest took place near Kolkata, and the two were subsequently brought to Bengaluru for further investigation.
Here are the key developments in the case:
1. Taha, the alleged mastermind behind the Rameshwaram Cafe blast in Bengaluru, has been wanted by the NIA for five years. He is also linked to previous terrorist activities, including the Mangaluru pressure cooker bomb blast in 2022, Shivamogga trial blasts in 2022, and the Al Hind module case in 2020.
2. During their custody, NIA officials intend to interrogate Taha and Shazib about their connections to a "colonel" implicated in multiple terrorism cases across South and Central India. They seek to uncover details regarding meetings, modes of payment for terrorist activities, and future plans.
3. Taha meticulously planned the cafe blast, conducting reconnaissance for over a week to identify vulnerabilities and strategize entry and exit routes. Shazib was tasked with assembling the improvised explosive device (IED) under Taha's instructions.
4. Following the blast, Taha orchestrated escape routes for himself and Shazib, with Taha planning to flee Tamil Nadu and Shazib from Bengaluru.
5. CCTV footage from a guesthouse in Kolkata revealed Taha and Shazib's stay using fake identities, indicating efforts to evade authorities.
6. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara emphasized the need to investigate potential links to Bangladesh and any assistance from across the border. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed gratitude to the NIA and state police for the arrests but refrained from further comment, awaiting the completion of the investigation.
The apprehension of Taha and Shazib marks a significant development in counter-terrorism efforts, shedding light on the intricate network of individuals involved in extremist activities in India.
