NIA takes over Rameshwaram Cafe blast probe, on trial of handler ‘Colonel’

BENGALURU: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation into The Rameshwaram Cafe blast at Brookefield last Friday. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) handed over the probe to the central agency on Sunday afternoon, following which it has re-registered the case and started an investigation.

The low-intensity blast took place at the cafe on March 1 in Brookefield, leaving at least nine people injured following an explosion during the busy lunch hour. Earlier, the Bengaluru police had registered a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act in connection with the explosion.

Footage from CCTV of the suspect in The Rameshwaram Cafe blast at Whitefield.

The police had also found a suspect in the CCTV footage, keeping a bag inside the cafe. The police probe so far indicated that an IED device with a timer was used to carry out the explosion.

The NIA is now on the trail of a terror handler, identified as ‘Colonel’. It is believed that he was the handler of the terror suspects involved in the Shivamogga trial blast, Mangaluru cooker blast and also of those arrested in Ballari, Bengaluru, Mysuru and other places. Over 50 youths were believed to be in touch with the ‘Colonel’ who had been brainwashed through Telegram and Wickr. But the terror suspects do not seem to know who or where he is.

The NIA and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) are now keeping a watch on over 50 youths, but they have so far not been involved in any terror activities. The agencies are also tracking those under watch who are now missing.

The detonator, battery and timer device found at the cafe.

The NIA will also take over all the files and evidence recovered by the city police so far and will also conduct a spot inspection again and will study the explosive and other material used to trigger the blast. They will also likely question the sellers of the timer device, battery, detonator and other articles used.

On Sunday, Home Minister G Parameshwara had assured that the suspect will be arrested soon. “We are continuing our investigation. Eight teams have been formed and all are working in different directions and looking at different aspects. We have collected several CCTV footages. 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. On Saturday, an NSG arrived here. We will definitely find the person. We had a meeting on Saturday and briefed the CM”.

Deputy CM D K Shivakumar echoed the Home Minister asking people not to panic or worry. “It was a low-intensity blast. A youth came and kept a small bag which exploded after an hour. About 10 people received injuries. About 7-8 teams have been formed to probe the incident. We are looking at all angles. I ask every resident of Bengaluru to not worry” D K Shivakumar said on Sunday.