Manhunt: Suspect In Rameshwaram Cafe Blast Possibly Hiding In Pune, Claims Report

The suspect believed to be involved in the blast at Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe on March 1 is thought to be in Pune, according to a report by Lokmat.

After the explosion, it is reported that the accused traveled to Ballari in Karnataka by bus and then proceeded to Pune via Bhatkal, Gokarna, Belgaum, and Kolhapur.

Manhunt: Suspect In Rameshwaram Cafe Blast In Pune

However, whether the suspected terrorist reached Pune or changed buses en route has not been confirmed by National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials, as stated in the report. In the meantime, X (formerly Twitter) was utilized by the NIA on Saturday to share several CCTV images of the accused.

The post read, "Citizen cooperation is sought by NIA in identifying the suspect linked to the #RameswaramCafeBlastCase. Information can be provided by calling 08029510900, 8904241100, or emailing [email protected]. Confidentiality of identity will be maintained."

A reward of ₹10 lakh was announced by the NIA earlier for any information regarding the bomber. Following a visit to the blast site, the case was transferred to the NIA on March 3. The explosion, which injured several people, took place at the cafe in Bengaluru's Whitefield area during the busy lunch hour on March 1, as reported by Free Press Journal.

Previously, a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act in connection with the cafe explosion had been registered by the Bengaluru Police. The blast, occurring at 1pm, was captured on footage showing a suspect placing a bag inside the cafe. Ongoing police investigations suggest that the explosion was caused by an IED device with a timer.