Bengaluru: Following an explosion at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru’s Whitefield area, newly surfaced CCTV footage reveals a person entering the cafe with a bag before the incident occurred. The individual suspected of involvement purportedly deposited the bag inside the cafe before departing. Authorities have detained another person seen accompanying the suspect for questioning.
The primary suspect, concealed behind a mask, glasses, and a cap, was captured on cafe cameras carrying a plate of idlis.
The explosion, happening between 12:50 pm and 1 pm on Friday, resulted in injuries to ten individuals. In response, law enforcement has invoked strict measures under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosive Substances Act.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) promptly initiated an inquiry, while the injured are currently under medical care.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged the public to refrain from politicizing the incident and urged cooperation with ongoing investigations. He suggested the blast might have been caused by an improvised explosive device.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, visiting the site with Home Minister G Parameshwara, provided details of the events leading to the explosion. “The blast occurred at 1 pm. A young man of about 28-30 years came to the cafe, purchased Rava idli at the counter, placed the bag near a tree (adjacent to the cafe) and left. After one hour the blast took place,” Mr. Shivakumar stated.
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) has taken over the investigation, with multiple teams pursuing leads to identify suspects. State Police Chief Alok Mohan described the incident as a “bomb blast” but assured the public that injuries were not severe.
Rameshwaram Cafe co-founder Divya Raghavendra Rao, initially believed the blast originated in the kitchen but later discovered it occurred in the customer area. “After looking at the CCTV footage, we saw that a guy wearing a mask and muffler came to the billing counter and ordered a rava idli. He then took his order and sat in the corner. He finished his meal and left a bag where he was sitting before exiting the restaurant,” Ms. Rao stated.
“We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident at our Brookefield branch today. We are cooperating with the authorities and officials in their investigations. Our thoughts are with the injured and their families, and we are offering them all the support, assistance, and care they need and pray for their speedy recovery,” she added.
Forensic teams are examining the scene for evidence and to determine the nature of the explosive device used. NSG commandos and bomb squads are still conducting searches in the area.
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