The Bengaluru Police have made a crucial discovery in the investigation of the March 1 blast at Rameshwaram Cafe, capturing the suspect on CCTV footage as they disembarked from a bus close to the eatery. The footage shows the suspect covering their face with a white handkerchief, dressed in a cap, mask, and glasses, making their way towards the cafe located in the city's Brookefield area. This incident, which occurred during lunchtime, resulted in ten people sustaining injuries from what has been described as a low-intensity explosion.

In an effort to track the suspect's movements, Bengaluru Police have created a detailed route map based on the CCTV evidence available. They are scrutinising footage from various cameras along the suspected route taken by the individual both to and from the cafe. On Sunday, police conducted a thorough examination at Rameshwaram Cafe, seizing a digital video recorder (DVR) to aid in their investigation, alongside reviewing additional CCTV footage from neighbouring shops.

Emerging footage on Saturday highlighted the suspect walking towards the cafe, carrying a bag suspected to contain an Intensive Explosive Device (IED). The police have suggested that the explosion was triggered remotely using a timer. The gravity of the situation led the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to transfer the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday, which has since officially registered the incident for further investigation.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar disclosed that the suspect has been identified through CCTV analysis, estimating their age to be between 28 and 30 years. The case has been registered under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act, underscoring the severity of the crime. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has assured the public that the authorities have gathered extensive video evidence and are exploring all possible motives, including business rivalry and potential attempts to destabilise the city ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

This development marks a significant step forward in the investigation, as authorities work diligently to ensure the safety of Bengaluru's citizens and bring those responsible to justice.

Image Source: India Today and Mint