Counter-terrorism agency releases new photo of Bengaluru cafe blast suspect

New Delhi:

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has released new photos of suspects in connection with the Bengaluru Rameshwaram cafe blast that injured 10 people. The counter-terrorism agency, which took over the case on March 3, has sought public assistance in identifying the suspect, who is believed to have planted an improvised explosive device (IED) at a popular Bengaluru restaurant on March 1.

CCTV footage showed the main suspect boarding a bus about an hour after the cafe explosion. The timestamp on the video reads March 1 at 2:03 p.m., and the explosion occurred at 12:56 p.m. The suspect, who was wearing a T-shirt, hat and mask, was found leaving a bag containing an improvised explosive device in the cafe.

In another video taken around 9pm on the same day, the suspect can be seen wandering around the bus station. The NIA has urged citizens to provide any information that may help in identifying and arresting the suspects and has offered a reward of Rs 10 lakh for valuable information.

NIA seeks cooperation from citizens to identify suspects in connection with the incident #RameswaramCafeBlastCase. 📞 Call 08029510900, 8904241100 or email info.blr.nia@gov.in with any information. Your identity will be kept confidential. #BengaluruCafeBlastpic.twitter.com/ISTXBZrwDK

— NIA India (@NIA_India) March 9, 2024

The Central Crime Branch of Bengaluru Police is cooperating with the National Intelligence Agency in the investigation. A cloth trader from Kaul Bazaar in Ballari district and a cadre associated with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) were arrested in connection with the case.

According to the investigation team, the suspect changed his clothes after the incident and took a bus to different locations, including Tumakuru, Ballari, Bidar and Bhatkal. CCTV footage showed the suspect frequently changed his appearance to evade detection.

Cafes reopen

Rameshwaram cafes resumed operations today with enhanced security measures. Metal detectors are installed at the entrance and customers are screened using hand-held detectors to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

Raghavendra Rao, co-founder and CEO of The Rameshwaram Cafe, said: “We have strengthened our security team and are trying to set up a separate group of veterans who can train security personnel at all our outlets.”