National Investigation Agency (NIA) teams began searches at several locations in Chennai and Bengaluru on Tuesday morning in connection with the investigation into the low-intensity blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru last week.
The investigation into the March 1 blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in East Bengaluru's Brookfield, in which at least 10 people were injured, has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), sources said on Monday.
This development comes a day after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that if needed, his government may consider handing over the investigation of the case to the NIA.
So far, Karnataka Police's investigation into the blast has been assisted by officials from the NIA, National Security Group (NSG) and Intelligence Bureau (IB).
Sources said a man wearing a cap, mask and glasses is the prime suspect in the case and has still not been traced.
The blast is suspected to have been carried out through an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
Soon after the blast, Karnataka Police registered a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosive Substances Act.
NIA is a special investigation agency investigating terrorism related cases. This agency was created in 2008 after the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks.