The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against four individuals in connection with the March 1 blast at Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe. The explosion, caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), injured nine people and damaged the property.
Accused and Charges
The NIA has charged Mussavir Hussain Shazib, Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taaha, Maaz Muneer Ahmed, and Muzammil Shareef under various sections of the IPC, UA(P) Act, Explosive Substances Act, and PDLP Act. All four are currently in judicial custody.
Shazib, who planted the bomb, and Taaha were previously involved with the Al-Hind module and had been on the run since 2020. They were arrested 42 days after the attack.
ISIS Radicalization and Cryptocurrency Funding
The NIA’s investigation reveals that Shazib and Taaha were ISIS radicals from Karnataka’s Shivamogga district, with prior plans to travel to ISIS territories in Syria. They were involved in radicalizing other individuals, including Maaz Muneer Ahmed and Muzammil Shareef.
The accused used cryptocurrencies for funding, converting them to fiat through Telegram-based P2P platforms. This funding was used for various violent acts in Bengaluru, including a failed IED attack at the State BJP Office on January 22, 2024.
The investigation highlights the use of advanced digital tools and radicalization networks in the orchestration of terror activities.
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