NIA takes over probe into Rameshwaram Cafe blast in Bengaluru

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday took over the probe into the blast at a popular cafe in Bengaluru, people aware of the matter said, adding that the federal anti-terror agency was looking into the possible role of terror outfits such as the Islamic State (IS) in the incident.

The ministry of home affairs (MHA) handed over the investigation to NIA, which was already assisting the state investigation teams, they added.

Nine people were injured after a low-intensity bomb exploded in the Rameshwaram Cafe in the state capital on Friday, prompting a multi-agency probe with preliminary investigations zeroing in on a man who left a bag near the cash counter.

“We are looking at all the possible angles including the role of IS cadres since there have been similar blasts in Coimbatore and Mangaluru in the past few years,” said an NIA officer on condition of anonymity.