Cafe blast case: NIA sleuths raid several locations across Karnataka and TN

Shivamogga: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its investigation into the Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast case by conducting simultaneous raids in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Thirthahalli on Wednesday morning.

According to sources, three locations in Chennai were raided on Wednesday morning. The operation was launched based on an intelligence tip that two of the suspects in the March 1 blast were staying in Chennai.

In Shivamogga, NIA sleuths began their searches at more than 5 locations in Thirthahalli town. More than 15 NIA officers, arrived from Bangalore in 5 vehicles, to locations at Soppugudde, Indiranagar, and Betamakki locales. The raids were carried out on suspects with links to the blast case. There is a possibility of the arrest of several suspects, sources added.

Sources said the central anti-terrorism investigation agency, which has already identified the prime suspect, is yet to apprehend him. At least 10 people were injured in a low-intensity bomb attack in a crowded cafe by a man wearing a hat and mask.

The prime suspect, Mussavir Hussain Shajib, who hails from Tirthahalli, was identified on March 23, NIA sources said. The agency has scrutinized 1,000 CCTV cameras to identify the main accused.

Sources in the investigative agency had earlier said that the Shivamogga ISIS module may be behind the blast.

The NIA has announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for information about the bombings and released CCTV images and videos of the suspect.