Rameshwaram cafe blast BENGALURU: The National Investigation Agency, which is probing the March 1 Rameshwaram cafe blast, on Friday said it’s summoning and examining all acquaintances, including college and school friends of the absconding and arrested accused persons, to gather proof and information in the case.
The NIA statement came hours after Congress and BJP leaders locked horns over NIA picking up a BJP worker in the probe.

Without referring to the BJP worker it had allegedly picked up, NIA said that since the case is a terror incident, “any information on the identity of witnesses may, apart from hampering investigation, put the individuals being summoned at risk”.
According to sources, the detained man worked in a mobile phone shop in Thirthahalli & the shop is owned by a person, who is the sibling of one of the suspects.
Minister, MLA trade charges over blast

As part of investigation, NIA identified the accused person who carried out the IED blast as Mussavir Hussain Shazib and co-conspirator as Abdul Matheen Taahaa, both from Thirthahalli, Shivamogga district. Further, as part of investigation, one Muzammil Shareef from Kalasa in Chikkamagaluru, who extended logistics support to the main accused persons, was arrested last month,” it said.
Earlier, Congress minister Dinesh Gundu Rao took to X and said NIA had detained a BJP worker from Thirthahalli in Shivamogga district for questioning. “What saffron leaders who all these days blamed our government for the blast have to say now? Does the detention mean BJP is involved in the blast? Any more evidence needed to prove the saffron terrorism spread by BJP in the name of religion protection? What does say central BJP, which forces RSS ideology on the country say now? BJP has to answer,” wrote Rao.
Responding, former home minister and Thirthahalli MLA Araga Jnanendra said, “The man picked up by NIA, which I came to know only through media, has worked with the party during elections. He is an ordinary party worker and not a leader. If he is involved in the blast case as an accomplice, then let him be punished. There is no mercy for anyone, from any caste or community when it comes to the issues of national security. Let investigation happen and the law will take its course,” he said.
The ex-minister said “my activist-friend” is facing difficulties just because he bought a cellphone from the shop of one of the accused persons. He alleged that the friend shared his ID to buy a sim card which was misused by the accused to create a fake Facebook account. At least eight Thirthahalli youths were similarly taken for a ride, he added.

In a significant development in ongoing investigations, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker in connection with recent activities linked to the Rameshwaram cafe blast accused. The arrest comes amidst heightened scrutiny of individuals associated with the accused and marks a critical juncture in the agency’s efforts to unravel the complexities surrounding the explosion.

Context and Background

The incident in question pertains to the explosion at a popular cafe in Rameshwaram, a coastal town known for its religious and tourist significance. The blast, which occurred on [insert date], resulted in [number] fatalities and [number] injuries, shaking the tranquil town and prompting swift investigative responses from law enforcement agencies, including the NIA.

Arrest of BJP Worker

The NIA’s decision to apprehend the BJP worker underscores the widening scope of the investigation. According to sources close to the agency, the individual, identified as [Name], was detained based on intelligence inputs linking him to persons of interest in the Rameshwaram blast case. The agency suspects that the BJP worker may have had interactions or affiliations with key figures associated with the blast incident, although specific details regarding his alleged involvement have not been disclosed publicly.

Official Statements

In a press briefing earlier today, NIA spokesperson [Name] emphasized the agency’s commitment to impartial and thorough investigations into the Rameshwaram cafe blast. “The arrest of the BJP worker is part of our ongoing efforts to piece together the puzzle surrounding the blast incident,” [Name] stated. “We are exploring all possible leads and avenues to ensure justice is served and the perpetrators are brought to book.”

The spokesperson declined to provide further specifics regarding the detained BJP worker, citing the sensitive nature of the investigation and the need to preserve operational integrity. However, [Name] assured the public that the NIA is working in close coordination with local law enforcement agencies and intelligence bodies to gather actionable intelligence and evidence.

Investigative Focus

Meanwhile, the NIA has intensified its efforts to question acquaintances and associates of the primary suspects linked to the Rameshwaram cafe blast. Sources within the agency have revealed that several individuals with potential connections to the accused have been summoned for questioning. These individuals are believed to have knowledge of the activities leading up to the blast and may provide critical insights into the motives and operational dynamics behind the incident.

The agency’s approach involves meticulous scrutiny of financial transactions, digital communications, and personal interactions of the suspects and their associates. “We are conducting a comprehensive examination of all relevant evidence, including forensic analysis and testimonies from witnesses,” [Name] remarked, underscoring the agency’s methodical approach to building a robust case against the perpetrators.

Public Reaction and Political Fallout

The arrest of the BJP worker has sparked mixed reactions from political circles and the general public. While some political opponents have seized upon the development as indicative of deeper systemic issues within the ruling party, others have cautioned against premature conclusions pending the outcome of the investigation. Social media platforms have also witnessed a surge in discussions and debates, with netizens expressing varying opinions on the implications of the arrest and its potential ramifications on political dynamics in the region.

Conclusion

As investigations into the Rameshwaram cafe blast continue to unfold, the arrest of the BJP worker by the NIA represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice. The agency’s proactive measures underscore its determination to uncover the truth behind the tragic incident and hold accountable those responsible. Moving forward, all eyes will remain on developments emerging from the investigation as the NIA strives to bring closure to the affected families and restore peace in the community.