Baseball Cap Wth Number '10' Bought In Chennai? New Clue In Rameshwaram Cafe Blast

A month after a bomb ripped through the Rameshwaram Cafe near Whitefield, injuring several people, investigators believe they are closing in on the culprit. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Crime Branch (CCB) are working tirelessly to apprehend a suspect linked to the Islamic State (IS).

Baseball Cap Provides Crucial Clue

A key piece of evidence in the investigation is a distinctive baseball cap with the number "10" found at the scene. CCTV footage captured the suspect wearing the cap before the explosion. Investigators tracked his movements to a nearby religious site where he discarded the cap, changed clothes, and boarded a bus.

Limited Edition Cap Narrows Search

The investigation took a significant turn when authorities identified the cap as part of a limited edition series, with only 400 sold across South India. By tracing the cap's unique serial number back to the retail store where it was purchased, investigators obtained CCTV footage showing two young men buying similar caps.

Suspect Identified as Musawir Hussain Shajib

Combining footage from the store, public buses, and a bus ride where the suspect appeared unmasked, investigators believe they have identified the suspect as Musawir Hussain Shajib. Shajib is a missing individual suspected to be part of the IS's Shimoga module. The NIA has offered a reward of Rs. 5 lakh for information leading to his arrest.

Authorities are working to definitively confirm Shajib's identity, potentially through scientific analysis or after his apprehension. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara assured the public on March 11th that the investigation is ongoing.

Hair Sample Collection

Investigators collected hair samples from the discarded cap, which could potentially help identify the suspect or trace his family members. Additionally, CCTV footage revealed the suspect visited the Ugra Cafe for a short time before the Rameshwaram Cafe blast.

On March 14th, the NIA detained Maz Muneer Ahmed, a 25-year-old engineering graduate, from Bengaluru Central Jail in connection with the 2022 Shimoga blast trial. He may be able to provide information on the suspects and their accomplices.

Shimoga ISIS Module and Broader Threat

The investigation has shed light on the Shimoga ISIS module, formed in 2016 by youths influenced by an extremist preacher. This group has been linked to past incidents in Karnataka.

The cafe blast serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by ISIS recruitment and violence in India. Authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to apprehend those responsible and prevent future attacks.