At least ten people were injured in the blast.
Bengaluru:
A day after the blast at Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram cafe, CCTV footage has emerged showing a man carrying a bag inside the cafe premises in the Whitefield area of the Karnataka capital. According to police, the suspect allegedly placed the bag in the café and then left before the explosion. Another person seen with the suspect has been detained and is being interrogated by Bengaluru Police.
The prime suspect, whose face was hidden by a mask, goggles and a cap over his head, was caught carrying a plate of idli on cameras installed inside the cafe.
The blast occurred between 12.50 pm and 1 am on Friday, injuring ten people. Police have invoked stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosive Substances Act in response to the attack.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) immediately reached the spot to conduct a thorough investigation. The injured, who include both café employees and patrons, are currently receiving medical treatment.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged the public not to politicize the incident and called for cooperation in the ongoing investigation. The Chief Minister said the blast might have been caused by an “improvised explosive” device.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who visited the blast site along with Home Minister G Parameshwara, provided important details about the sequence of events of the blast. “The blast took place at 1 pm. A young man aged around 28-30 years came to the cafe, bought Rava Idli at the counter, kept the bag near a tree (next to the cafe) and left. After an hour the blast took place at the spot, ” Mr Shivakumar said.
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) has taken over the investigation, with multiple teams actively searching for clues to identify the accused. State police chief Alok Mohan termed the incident a “bomb blast” but assured the public that no one was seriously injured.
Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Rameshwaram Cafe co-founder Divya Raghavendra Rao said the initial understanding after the blast was that it had originated in the kitchen.
“But then we learned that there were no injuries or blood inside the kitchen and the explosion occurred in the customer area,” Ms Rao told NDTV. “After watching the CCTV footage, we saw that a man wearing a mask and muffler came to the billing counter and ordered Rava Idli. Then he took his order and sat in the corner. He finished his food and left a bag there in the restaurant Was sitting before exiting.”
“We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident that occurred at our Brookfield branch today. We are cooperating with the authorities and authorities in their investigation. Our thoughts are with the injured and their families, and we offer them all possible support, assistance and care. are doing.” Need and pray for his speedy recovery.”
Forensic teams are currently investigating the scene to collect evidence and determine the nature of the explosive device used. NSG commandos and bomb squad are still searching the area this morning.
