1. Blast suspect arrested
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has detained a major suspect in the Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe bombing investigation, according to sources within the anti-terror agency.
Shabbir, the suspect, was apprehended from the Bellary district of Karnataka. Interrogation of the suspect is currently underway.
https://twitter.com/timesofindia/status/1767796478863413519?s=19
2. Cafe Blast
The low-intensity explosion at the well-known cafe in Bengaluru in March harmed ten people. An IED bomb was set off by setting a timer, which caused the explosion.
The development of Wednesday followed the police’s release of multiple CCTV clips featuring the primary suspect.
3. Search for the suspect
A picture of the suspect, who is thought to be in his 30s, was taken inside the cafe on March 1 and showed him carrying an idli dish. He was observed carrying a shoulder bag that may have contained an IED explosive.
The same person is seen carrying a backpack and approaching the eatery in further CCTV footage.
Investigating authorities reported on March 9 that the suspect had altered his appearance and attire many times following the cafe explosion after reviewing three more CCTV tapes.
NIA seeks citizen cooperation in identifying the suspect linked to the #RameswaramCafeBlastCase. 📞 Call 08029510900, 8904241100 or email to info.blr.nia@gov.in with any information. Your identity will remain confidential. #BengaluruCafeBlast pic.twitter.com/ISTXBZrwDK
— NIA India (@NIA_India) March 9, 2024
In one CCTV footage, he is seen wearing a full-sleeve shirt and a light-coloured polo cap with eyeglasses, and a face mask, while in the second video, he was seen wearing a half-sleeve T-shirt which was of purple colour with a black cap.
Meanwhile, the individual was not wearing either the cap or the spectacles in the third video.
A reward of Rs 10 lakh was announced by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for any information on the suspect that resulted in his apprehension.
4. Cafe reopened last week
This past week, the Rameshwaram Cafe reopened with tighter security. To protect both customers and employees, metal detectors have been placed at the entry, and customers must pass through screening utilizing handheld detectors.
Before leaving his suitcase in the restaurant, the suspect was observed eating rava idli, according to the owner, Divya Raghavendra Rao.
“When the explosion occurred, I was not carrying my cell phone, and when I did, there were an excessive number of missed calls. My staff informed me that there had been a blast at the restaurant when I phoned them back,” he said.
5. Resilience of NIA
The swift action taken by law enforcement agencies, coupled with the support of the public and the reopening of the Rameshwaram Cafe, signals resilience and determination in the face of adversity. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and holding accountable those involved in perpetrating acts of terror.
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