Bengaluru: NIA Announces Rs 10 Lakh Reward For Information On Rameshwaram Cafe Bomber; Here's What Happened So Far

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for information about the bomber, whose bag caused a blast in Rameshwaram Cafe of Bengaluru's Whitefield area on 1 March.

"Any information leading to his arrest shall be rewarded. The identity of the informer will be kept secret," the NIA poster showing photo of the accused reads along with contact details and the agency's Bengaluru address.

The NIA took over the case on 4 March after the Bengaluru Police failed to make any arrests in the case. MP Tejasvi Surya highlighted that due to BJP's efforts, the transfer of the case was made easier.

During the incident, at least 10 people were injured and received treatment at various private hospitals. The Karnataka government assured financial assistance for their treatment.

The CCTV footage showed the suspect, believed to be 28 to 30 years old. He entered the cafe during lunchtime, purchased a coupon for Rava idli, but left without consuming it, leaving behind a bag containing an IED.

Raghavendra Rao, co-founder and CEO of the Rameshwaram Cafe, called for strict action from the Union and state governments to prevent such incidents in the future. He dismissed the idea of business rivalry as a motive, stating that such harmful activities are unlikely within the business circle.

Tejasvi Surya also hit out at Congress for hushing up the blast by saying the the intension was business rivalry. "They (Congress leaders) are watching Netflix very much. They are confusing Bengaluru restaurants with the Columbia cartel. Can there be something more hilarious than saying that bomb blast happened over idli-vada sales," he said.