Sai Prasad, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker, has come under scrutiny in connection with the Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast case. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is investigating the incident, has reportedly questioned Prasad to appear as a witness in the case.
The blast, which occurred at the renowned Rameshwaram cafe in Bengaluru on March 1, left at least 10 people injured.
Who is Sai Prasad?
Prasad is alleged to have connections with suspects in Thirthahalli and Chikkamagaluru. He hails from Thirthahalli town in Shimoga district and is reported to be associated with the BJP.
Prasad, who works as a painter and deals in used mobile phones, is said to have been in contact with two individuals whose residences and mobile phone shop in Thirthahalli were raided by the NIA last week. Reports suggest that Prasad had sold an old mobile phone to the shop under NIA scrutiny.
The shop owner subsequently sold the phone to Muzamil Shareef of Chikkamagaluru, who is currently in NIA custody. Shareef, considered the key conspirator, was apprehended by the NIA during raids across multiple locations in three states on March 26.
Political Allegations and NIA’s Response
Prasad’s alleged affiliation with the BJP has led to political allegations. Karnataka’s Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao cited media reports in his social media post, accusing the BJP of involvement in the incident.
However, the NIA clarified that it has been summoning and examining all acquaintances of the accused persons, including Prasad, as part of its investigation. The agency emphasized the sensitivity of the case and the importance of protecting the identities of witnesses.
The NIA had earlier announced a reward of ₹10 lakh each against two wanted accused, Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taahaa and Mussavir Hussain Shazib, in connection with the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case.
