Bengaluru cafe blast probe handed over to NIA, say sources

The probe into the blast at a cafe in Bengaluru has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), sources said on Monday, 4 March.

At least 10 people were injured when a blast took place at Rameshwaram Cafe in Brookfield in East Bengaluru on 1 March.

According to the sources, the investigation into the explosion has been handed over to the NIA.

This development comes a day after Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said his government may consider handing over the probe to the NIA if the need arises.

So far, Karnataka Police's investigation of the blast has been assisted by officials of the NIA, National Security Group (NSG) and Intelligence Bureau (IB).

A man wearing a cap, mask and glasses is the prime suspect in the case and is still untraceable, the sources said.

The explosion is suspected to be carried out through an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Soon after the blast, the Karnataka Police registered a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act.

The NIA is a specialised probe agency to investigate terror-related cases. The agency was created in 2008 following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.