In an alarming revelation, the investigation into the Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast has unveiled possible connections to the ISIS Ballari module. Reports, citing official sources, have highlighted similarities in the methods used in the recent blast and previous cases linked to this notorious module.

Officials are particularly focused on the similarities in the assembly of the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast. Such devices are known trademarks of the ISIS module's operations, raising concerns about the group's ongoing activities in the region.

Furthermore, the way the blast was executed aligns with the pattern observed in past incidents, including the distressing Mangaluru cooker blast. This pattern suggests a potentially deeper network of operatives working within the state, possibly linked to the broader ISIS network.

The investigation is still underway, with authorities working diligently to confirm the extent of the ISIS Ballari module's involvement. The similarities in the modus operandi have become a crucial part of piecing together the puzzle of this attack, aiming to prevent any future threats that might arise from such terrorist networks.

In a significant operation last December, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took a decisive step against terrorism by apprehending eight individuals linked to the ISIS Ballari module, including the group's leader, named Minaz. This operation spanned a wide geography, targeting 19 locations across several states and cities within India, such as Ballari and Bengaluru in Karnataka; Amaravati, Mumbai, and Pune in Maharashtra; Jamshedpur and Bokaro in Jharkhand, and also Delhi.

The raids were not just about making arrests; they led to the discovery and confiscation of materials and items that paint a worrying picture of the planned activities of this group. Authorities found explosive materials—Sulphur, Potassium Nitrate, Charcoal, Gunpowder, Sugar, and Ethanol—along with sharp weapons, unaccounted cash, and documents that were deemed incriminating. The haul also included smartphones and other digital devices, shedding light on the modern terrorist's toolkit.

The seized materials were reportedly intended for the creation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), designed for use in terror acts. This detail underscores a chilling ambition to inflict harm and spread fear. Another disturbing revelation is the apparent strategy of carrying out "lone wolf" attacks, similar to what is suspected in the Bengaluru blast, echoing the tactics seen in the Mangaluru cooker blast case.

Adding to the intensity of the investigation, CCTV footage from the Rameshwaram Cafe following the explosion provided a glimpse of a suspect—a person donned in a white hat and mask, carrying a backpack, and wearing spectacles—entering the establishment. This footage is a critical piece of evidence, offering a direct link to the moment leading up to the tragic event.

The arrest of these individuals, the confiscation of explosive materials and weapons, and the identification of tactics such as "lone wolf" attacks illustrate the extensive measures taken by the NIA to dismantle terror networks within the country.

In a crucial step forward in the investigation of the Rameshwaram Cafe explosion, the investigative team has successfully seized vital components from the scene. These components include a timer, battery, circuit panel, and wires—all crucial parts of the explosive device used in the attack. The suspect, blending in as an ordinary customer, strategically placed a bomb within the cafe while simulating a normal breakfast routine. 

The gathered materials, crucial for understanding the bomb's construction, have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for a detailed examination. This analysis is expected to provide further insights into the bomb's design and functionality, aiding the ongoing investigation significantly.

Emerging reports suggest that, besides the ISIS Ballari module, there may also be a connection to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module, historically led by Abdul Karim Tunda, infamously known as the “Doctor of Bomb.” Interestingly, Tunda was acquitted in a related terrorist bombing case in Rajasthan just one day before the Bengaluru attack. This timing raises questions and adds complexity to the investigation, suggesting a potentially broader network of affiliations and collaborations among terror groups.

Furthermore, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had previously thwarted a suicide attack attempt in Bengaluru last year, allegedly planned by the same Lashkar module. This act of prevention now takes on new significance in light of recent events, underscoring the continuous threat from such networks to national security.

Another critical angle in this complex investigation is the suspected involvement of the Popular Front of India (PFI) module, an offshoot of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), based in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoband. This potential link adds yet another layer to the already intricate web of connections and highlights the diverse origins of threats faced by the nation.

In a concerning development for security agencies, the influence of ISIS is reportedly on the rise in Karnataka. This increase in influence is alarming due to ISIS's known access to substantial funding sources and their ability to radicalize individuals. Such capabilities present a significant challenge to maintaining security and peace within the region and beyond.

Conversely, the Popular Front of India (PFI), known for its radical activities, is facing hurdles in its attempts to reorganize. Financial constraints, coupled with close monitoring by central agencies, have made it difficult for the PFI to operate with its previous efficiency. These challenges, however, do not negate the threat posed by individuals who were previously associated with the PFI and may now be susceptible to radicalization by groups like ISIS.

Security concerns are further compounded by reports indicating that several suspects related to recent terror activities have been detained by the police. However, the arrest of the primary accused in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast has not yet been confirmed. According to sources, the suspect is believed to have fled towards Tamil Nadu, complicating efforts to apprehend them.

NIA to Probe Rameshwaram Cafe Blast Case

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has assigned the investigation of the Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). This move comes after an NIA team visited the blast site, and the case was officially transferred to them last week for a deeper investigation.

The explosion, which occurred on March 1 in the Whitefield area of Bengaluru, happened during the busy lunch hour at The Rameshwaram Cafe, a popular spot in the city's Brookfield area. The blast injured several people, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the incident. Before the NIA's involvement, Bengaluru Police had registered the case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Substances Act, highlighting the serious nature of the explosion.

The NIA's re-registration of the case marks the beginning of a comprehensive probe aimed at uncovering the details of the blast and ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future. With the case now under the expertise of the NIA, there's a concerted effort to bring those responsible to justice and to reinforce public safety measures.