In a crucial development concerning the Rameshwaram Cafe Blast case that occurred on March 1, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has released two video clips of the suspected bomber and is seeking public cooperation to identify him. The incident resulted in injuries to nine individuals, prompting the premier national anti-terror probe agency to intensify efforts to solve the case.
The 49-second first video shows the suspect walking inside a BMTC bus, strategically avoiding the CCTV camera by moving towards the back of the bus. The footage captures him seated, lying in the backseat, and eventually disembarking from the bus. In the second nine-second video, the suspect is seen without his hat at a bus stop, strolling in front of a closed police outpost. The NIA, through its official Twitter handle, urged citizens to assist in identifying the suspect and provided contact details for sharing information.
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/l0KUPnoBZD— NIA India (@NIA_India) March 8, 2024
A message from the NIA headquarters stated, “NIA seeks citizens’ cooperation in identifying the suspect linked to the Rameswaram Cafe Blast case. Call 08029510900, 8904241100, or email to info.blr.nia@gov.in with any information. Your identity will remain confidential.” The agency assured that the identity of the informer(s) would be kept confidential.
As of now, there has been no reported information or clues provided by the public to assist the NIA in identifying or apprehending the suspect behind the IED blast. The suspect’s route, traced from CCTV footage, reveals his journey from Tumakuru to Balalri and Bhatkal, areas known for a history of Islamic radicalization and the origin of past terror conspiracies.
Comparing the two videos released by the NIA, it is evident that the suspect changed his clothes, swapping the shirt worn in the last photograph released by the agency for a T-shirt. Notably, the baseball cap seen in the earlier images is absent in one of the videos. However, his backpack, jeans, and shoes remain consistent. The suspect boarded a state bus (KA 57 F 4233) at 2:04 pm after changing his clothes, as depicted in the first video.
The second video shows the suspect at the Ballari bus stand at 9 pm on March 1, approximately eight hours after the IED blast. During his escape, the suspect is reported to have changed buses ten times. NIA is currently questioning members of a Ballari module, which the agency busted in December 2023, for potential leads on the suspect’s identity.
On March 6, the NIA announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to the identification of the youth suspected to be involved in the case. The agency continues to intensify efforts to piece together the events leading up to and following the Rameshwaram Cafe Blast.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara expressed confidence in cracking the case soon. He stated, “The suspected bomber is being tracked by central agencies. We have received information that he travelled by bus. Police are verifying all the CCTV footage of the buses during the time the bomber travelled from Bengaluru.” The minister emphasised that until the accused is apprehended, it will be challenging to link the incident with any specific organisation.
Karnataka Police, initially in charge of the case, reportedly recovered a timer used for triggering the blast, adding another layer to the ongoing investigation. As the NIA continues to seek public assistance, the collaborative efforts between law enforcement and citizens become paramount in ensuring a swift resolution to the Rameshwaram Cafe Blast case.
