The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended a primary suspect in the Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast case, as per sources within the anti-terror agency.
According to information provided by the sources to India Today, the suspect, known as Shabbir, was captured in Bellary district, Karnataka.
The interrogation of the suspect is currently in progress. The explosion at the popular cafe in Bengaluru on March 1 resulted in ten individuals sustaining injuries. The blast was executed by setting off an IED bomb using a timer.
The recent development on Wednesday followed the release of several CCTV footages by the police, showcasing the main suspect.
On March 1, a photograph of the suspect, believed to be approximately 30 years old, was taken while he was carrying a plate of idli inside the cafe. He was observed carrying a shoulder bag suspected to contain the IED bomb.
In a separate CCTV footage, the suspect was seen heading towards the restaurant with a bag.
After examining three additional CCTV videos, investigating officials revealed on March 9 that the suspect had altered his clothing and appearance multiple times following the cafe explosion.
In one video, he was dressed in a full-sleeve shirt, a light-colored polo cap, eyeglasses, and a face mask. In the second video, he wore a purple half-sleeve T-shirt and a black cap, still with the mask but without glasses.
In the third footage, the man was not wearing the cap or glasses.
The NIA had offered a reward of Rs 10 lakh for any information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
The Rameshwaram Cafe resumed operations on March 8.