The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended a crucial suspect in the Rameshwaram Cafe explosion case in Bengaluru, as per India Today's sources on Wednesday. The man, identified as Shabbir, is a resident of the Cowl Bazaar region in Ballari. He is currently under interrogation, and it is still uncertain whether he is the same person seen on the CCTV footage, ANI sources reported.

All the suspects have reportedly associated themselves with the IS module of Karnataka and hail from Thithahalli in Shivamogga. The individuals are Abdul Mateen Taha, Misavir Hussain Shajib, Arafat Ali, Mohammed Shareeq, Maaz Muneer Ahmed, and Syed Yasin.

This significant development occurred a few days after the NIA circulated a photograph of the suspect and declared a reward of Rs 10 lakh for any information. Officials are currently scrutinizing the commonalities among the explosions and the individuals involved.

Rameshwaram cafe
Image: Business Today

On March 1, a picture of the suspect, estimated to be around 30 years old, was taken, which depicted him holding a plate of idli inside the cafe. He was observed with a shoulder bag, which is suspected to have contained the IED bomb.

In another CCTV recording, the same suspect is seen approaching the restaurant with a bag. After examining three additional CCTV videos, the investigators stated that the suspect had altered his attire and appearance several times following the cafe blast.

The low-intensity explosion occurred on March 1, resulting in 10 injuries. The detonation was executed by activating an IED bomb using a timer.

In the meantime, the restaurant where the bombing took place reopened its doors to the public last weekend.

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