National Investigation Agency (NIA) Takes Charge of Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe Blast Investigation

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has assumed control of the investigation into the low-intensity bomb blast at Rameshwaram cafe in Bengaluru. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) handed over the case to the NIA, effective from Monday. The blast occurred at the popular eatery in Whitefield, causing injuries to at least 10 individuals who are currently receiving treatment in multiple private hospitals. The Karnataka government has pledged to cover the medical expenses for the injured. CCTV footage has identified a suspect, a 28 to 30-year-old individual, who left an improvised explosive device (IED) in a bag at the cafe. The footage shows the suspect purchasing a coupon for Rava idli during lunch but leaving without consuming the food. The face of the suspect is obscured by a mask and cap. Rameshwaram Cafe’s CEO, Raghavendra Rao, called for stringent action to prevent such incidents in the future and dismissed any business rivalry angle. Meanwhile, the opposition criticized the Siddaramaiah-led government, alleging a lack of transparency and information disclosure regarding the blast. Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka accused the government of attempting to conceal facts and manipulate forensic reports.