- By Vivek Raj
- Mon, 04 Mar 2024 10:39 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken charge of the investigation into the recent explosion at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru. The incident, which occurred on Friday, rocked the IT capital, leaving at least 10 individuals injured. Despite efforts by Bengaluru Police and the Central Crime Branch, no arrests have been made in connection with the low-intensity bomb blast that took place at the popular eatery located in Whitefield.
The Ministry Of Home Affairs on Monday handed over the case to NIA and the central agency has re-registered the case and started the investigation.
Earlier, the Bengaluru Police had registered a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act in connection with the explosion at the cafe.
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The Karnataka government earlier announced that the state will bear the expenses of all individuals injured in the blast and receiving treatment at various private hospitals.
CCTV footage from the scene revealed a suspect, believed to be between 28 to 30 years old, entering the cafe during lunchtime. The individual purchased a coupon for Rava idli but departed without eating the food, leaving behind a bag containing an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The suspect's face was covered with a mask and cap, as per the visuals released by Bengaluru police.
The Karnataka Home Minister, G Parameshwara, assured the public of swift action, stating that authorities had obtained 40-50 CCTV recordings related to the blast. He disclosed that investigative teams had been formed, with preliminary findings suggesting that the suspect arrived at the cafe via bus. As part of the probe, 26 buses operated by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation have been scrutinised.
In response to the Karnataka Home Minister’s claims of potential business rivalry as a motive, the owner of Rameshwaram Cafe dismissed such claims. "The Hotelier fraternity are like my brothers & sisters," he said.
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The opposition leaders criticised the Siddaramaiah-led government for alleged opacity surrounding the incident. R Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition, accused the government of withholding vital information and attempting to manipulate forensic reports, drawing parallels to a previous incident involving pro-Pakistan slogans raised at Vidhana Soudha.
