NIA Probes Suspected Terrorist’s Movement from Bangalore to Pune After Rameswaram Cafe Blast
Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 8th March 2024: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is suspecting that the alleged terrorist involved in the Rameswaram Cafe blast in Bangalore may have moved towards Pune. The suspected individual is believed to have traveled from Bangalore to Pune via Ballari, and then through Bhatkal, Gokarna, Belgaum, and Kolhapur. As a result, investigative agencies have been put on high alert.
On the afternoon of March 1, a bomb blast occurred in Rameswaram Cafe in Bangalore, injuring ten people, including customers and cafe employees. The Ministry of Home Affairs has assigned the investigation of this bomb blast to the NIA, and following the incident, CCTV footage from the Rameswaram cafe was seized by the investigating agencies.
In the CCTV footage, the suspected terrorist, wearing a cap, mask, and glasses, was seen entering the cafe. The footage also shows him leaving the premises with a bag. The blast was triggered using an IED device with a timer.
After the explosion, the suspected terrorist fled from Bangalore by bus. NIA officials received information that he disembarked at Ballari bus stand and took another bus to Gokarna. Authorities suspect that he continued his journey towards Pune by bus, but confirmation about his arrival in Pune or heading elsewhere remains elusive.
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
The investigative agencies have shared this information with the police units in Maharashtra including Pune. CCTV footage from Bangalore and Ballari bus stands has been secured, and sources indicate that the suspect is being traced based on footage from Bhatkal and Gokarna bus stands.
A reward of Rs. 10 lakh has been announced by the NIA for information leading to the apprehension of the terrorist. The identity of the informant will be kept confidential, as stated by the NIA.
