The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended a crucial suspect in the Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe IED blast case from Bellary district in Karnataka. Identified as Shabbir, the suspect was taken into custody as per reports from India Today, which cited NIA sources.
The NIA has intensified its interrogation of the suspect since his detention. The case was transferred to the NIA on March 3, shortly after an NIA team visited the blast site in Bengaluru. The explosion occurred on March 1 during the bustling lunch hour at the Rameshwaram Cafe in Whitefield area, injuring 10 individuals.
In efforts to expedite the investigation, the NIA has announced a reward of ₹10 lakh for any information leading to the identification of the bomber. The agency has assured informants of strict confidentiality regarding their identities.
Furthermore, the NIA has released a photograph of the suspect captured from CCTV footage. In the image, the bomber is seen wearing a cap, black pants, and black shoes, while placing a bag inside the Rameshwaram Cafe.
In a statement on social media platform 'X', the NIA reiterated its commitment to maintaining confidentiality and urged individuals with pertinent information to come forward. The agency emphasized that any leads resulting in the arrest of the perpetrator would be duly rewarded.
Initial findings from the police investigation suggest the use of an IED device with a timer in orchestrating the blast, which occurred at 1 pm on March 1. The presence of a suspect captured on CCTV footage depositing a bag inside the cafe has been a focal point of the ongoing probe.