The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced a cash reward of Rs. 10 lakh for any information leading to the identification of the perpetrator responsible for the Rameshwaram Cafe blast in Bengaluru. The investigation, conducted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosive Substances Act, is being handled by the Bengaluru Police. The NIA assured that the identity of the informant would remain confidential.
The Ministry of Home Affairs recently transferred the investigation of the Rameshwaram Cafe blast to the NIA. The explosion occurred on March 1 at the cafe during the busy lunch hour, injuring several individuals. The Bengaluru Police had previously filed a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosive Substances Act regarding the explosion.
According to ongoing police investigations, the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) with a timer, as observed in CCTV footage where a suspect is seen placing a bag inside the cafe. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara had assured the public of the imminent arrest of the suspect.
Shortly after the cafe blast, two emails were sent to high-ranking officials, including the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Home Minister, and the City Commissioner of Police, warning of potential further explosions targeting VVIPs and crowded areas in Karnataka. One of the emails demanded a sum of $2.5 million to prevent similar incidents.
Informant’s identity will be kept confidential,” the investigation agency said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
NIA announces cash reward of 10 lakh rupees for information about bomber in Rameshwaram Cafe blast case of Bengaluru. Informants identity will be kept confidential. pic.twitter.com/F4kYophJFt
— NIA India (@NIA_India) March 6, 2024
The sender identified themselves as ‘Shahid Khan’ using the email address ‘Shahidkhan10786@protonmail.com‘. Law enforcement authorities are currently seeking details from Proton, a Swiss-based software company, to further investigate the origin of the email. The contents of the emails outlined threats of explosions on buses, trains, taxis, temples, hotels, and public areas throughout Karnataka if the demanded amount was not provided.
The investigation into the Rameshwaram Cafe blast and the subsequent threat emails underscores the urgent need for collaboration between law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and bring those responsible to justice.
