The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made significant progress in the investigation of the Rameshwaram cafe blast case in Bengaluru.

The key suspect, identified as Shabbir, has been detained from the Chaawl Bazaar area in Ballari district, according to police sources.

The probe has uncovered six additional key suspects, drawing parallels with the IS Shivamogga module and Al-Hind module.

The breakthrough came days after the NIA shared a picture of the suspect and announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information.

On March 1, a photo of the suspect was captured on CCTV showing him carrying a plate of idli inside the cafe. He was seen with a shoulder bag suspected to have the IED bomb inside.

Officials are examining common factors among the blasts and individuals linked to them.

All suspects have reportedly identified themselves with the IS module of Karnataka and are natives of Thithahalli in Shivamogga. Their names are Abdul Mateen Taha, Misavir Hussain Shajib, Arafat Ali, Mohammed Shareeq, Maaz Muneer Ahmed, and Syed Yasin.

NIA investigators have expanded their search beyond Karnataka, initially focusing on various parts of Bengaluru and later extending to Tumkuru, Ballari, and Kalaburgi. It has been revealed that the suspected bomber travelled from Kalaburgi to a neighbouring state, with information suggesting a possible trip to Tirupati.

NIA personnel are currently stationed in Tirupati to gather more information about the suspected bomber. Moreover, the search has been expanded to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. The investigation has received support from the Central Intelligence Cell and Q Branch officials.

The NIA announced a cash reward of 10 lakh rupees for information about the suspect in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case in Bengaluru on March 6.

(With UNI inputs)