Rameshwaram Cafe Blast: Home Ministry Hands Over Probe To NIA

Rameshwaram Cafe Blast: The blast took place at the cafe on 1st March in Bengaluru’s Whitefield area where several people were injured

NEW DELHI: In a significant development, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has transferred the probe into the Rameshwaram Cafe blast to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), news agency ANI reported on Monday. This decision comes in the wake of heightened concerns over the incident and the urgent need for a thorough investigation.

Ministry of Home Affairs has handed over Bengaluru's The Rameshwaram Cafe blast probe to National Investigation Agency. The blast took place at the cafe on 1st March in Bengaluru’s Whitefield area where several people were injured.

— ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024

Central Agency Takes Charge

The MHA's decision to hand over the case to the NIA comes after a recent visit by the agency's team to the blast site. With the re-registration of the case and the initiation of investigations, the NIA is poised to delve deep into the matter to unearth the truth behind the explosion.

Bengaluru Shaken By The Blast

The incident, which occurred on March 1 at a bustling cafe in Bengaluru's Whitefield area, sent shockwaves through the city. During the lunch hour rush, an explosion rocked the Rameshwaram Cafe, leaving several individuals injured in its aftermath.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the blast ripped through the popular eatery, inflicting injuries on over half a dozen people. The low-intensity explosion left the community shaken and raised concerns about safety and security in the area.

CCTV Footage Of Blast Emerge

Prior to the NIA's involvement, the Bengaluru Police had taken swift action, registering a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act. Initial findings from CCTV footage pointed to a suspect who was seen placing a bag inside the cafe before the blast occurred.

Karnataka Leaders Assure Public Of Safety

Amidst growing apprehension, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara assured the public of ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrator to justice. With a multi-pronged investigation underway, authorities remain vigilant, exploring all possible angles to the case. "We are continuing our investigation. 8 teams have been formed and all are working in different directions and looking at different aspects. We have collected several CCTV footage. We are examining every angle including if there is any jealousy factor. I also appeal to the opposition to cooperate with us and not to make this a political issue...We do not know if there is any connection with the Mangaluru blast. They have used a similar material and the same system technically. Yesterday NSG arrived here. We will definitely find the person. We had a meeting yesterday and briefed the CM. Today, I have called a meeting of all the senior officers. BJP should not issue negative statements" the Karnataka Home Minister said on Sunday.

In a show of solidarity, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar urged residents not to succumb to fear in the aftermath of the blast. Emphasizing the need for collective resilience, he reassured the people of Bengaluru that authorities are diligently investigating the incident to ensure the safety of all citizens.