On March 1, a disturbing incident unfolded at Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe when an unidentified individual walked in and left behind a bag containing an improvised explosive device (IED). Approximately an hour later, the tranquility of the eatery was shattered by a low-intensity blast, resulting in injuries to 10 people.
Taking swift action, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) apprehended the prime suspect linked to the blast. Identified as Muzammil Shareef, he was detained as a co-conspirator following extensive operations conducted by NIA teams across 18 locations, spanning 12 in Karnataka, 5 in Tamil Nadu, and one in Uttar Pradesh.
The investigation into the explosion, triggered by the IED at the Rameshwaram Cafe located in Bengaluru's Brookefield area, falls under the jurisdiction of the NIA. Assuming control of the case on March 3, the agency had initially identified Mussavir Shazeeb Hussain as the primary suspect responsible for executing the blast. Another individual, Abdul Matheen Taha, has also been implicated as an alleged conspirator and is wanted by the authorities in connection with multiple cases.
According to NIA findings, Muzammil Shareef provided logistical support to the perpetrators involved in the cafe bombing. The recent raids conducted on March 17 targeted the residences of the three identified suspects, along with the properties of other individuals of interest. The operation yielded the seizure of various digital devices and a sum of cash.
The assailant, concealed behind a cap and mask, surreptitiously planted the low-intensity bomb concealed within a backpack at the bustling eatery in Brookefield, situated near Whitefield. The resultant explosion caused injuries to ten unsuspecting victims.
In response to the ongoing investigation, the NIA has announced a substantial cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for any information leading to the apprehension of the bomber. Additionally, the agency has released CCTV footage and images of the suspect to aid in their apprehension.
As authorities delve deeper into the case, further efforts are underway to unravel the intricacies of this alarming incident.
