National Investigation Agency Seeks Public Assistance in Identifying Bengaluru Cafe Blast Suspect
By [Errraand News]
New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has released new photographs of the suspect linked to the Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast which left 10 people injured. The anti-terror agency, which took over the case on March 3, has sought the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect who is believed to have planted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the popular Bengaluru eatery on March 1.
CCTV footage captured the prime suspect boarding a bus approximately an hour after the blast occurred at the cafe. The timestamp on the video reads 2:03 pm on March 1, with the blast taking place at 12:56 pm. The suspect, wearing a T-shirt, cap, and facemask, was seen leaving behind a bag containing the IED in the cafe.
In another footage from the same day at around 9 pm, the suspect is observed roaming inside a bus station. The NIA has urged citizens to come forward with any information that may lead to the identification and apprehension of the suspect, offering a reward of ₹10 lakh for valuable information.
The Central Crime Branch of the Bengaluru police is collaborating with the NIA in the investigation. A cloth merchant from Kaul Bazaar in Ballari district and a cadre associated with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) have been arrested in connection with the case.
According to the probe team, the suspect changed his clothes after the incident and traveled by bus to different locations, including Tumakuru, Ballari, Bidar, and Bhatkal. CCTV footage reveals the suspect frequently altering his appearance to evade detection.
Cafe Reopens
The Rameshwaram Cafe resumed operations today with enhanced security measures. Metal detectors have been installed at the entrance, and customers are subjected to screening using handheld detectors to ensure the safety of patrons and staff.
Raghavendra Rao, the co-founder and CEO of The Rameshwaram Cafe, said, “We have strengthened our security team and are also trying to set up a separate panel involving ex-servicemen who could train our security guards at all our branches.”
FAQ: National Investigation Agency Seeks Public Assistance in Identifying Bengaluru Cafe Blast Suspect
Q: What happened at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru? A: A blast occurred at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru on March 1, injuring 10 people. The blast was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted in the cafe.
Q: Who is the suspect in the Bengaluru Cafe Blast case? A: The suspect is an individual captured on CCTV footage leaving a bag containing the IED in the cafe. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has released new photographs of the suspect and is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and apprehending him.
Q: What actions have been taken in the investigation so far? A: The NIA has taken over the case and is working in collaboration with the Central Crime Branch of the Bengaluru police. Two individuals, including a cloth merchant from Kaul Bazaar in Ballari district and a cadre associated with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), have been arrested in connection with the case.
Q: Has the Rameshwaram Cafe reopened after the blast? A: Yes, the Rameshwaram Cafe has reopened with enhanced security measures, including the installation of metal detectors at the entrance and customer screening using handheld detectors.
Q: How can the public assist in the investigation? A: The NIA has urged citizens to come forward with any information that may lead to the identification and apprehension of the suspect. A reward of ₹10 lakh is being offered for valuable information. Citizens can call 08029510900, 8904241100, or email info.blr.nia@gov.in with any relevant information. Confidentiality will be maintained.