Pramesh S Jain & Dr.Thomas (Special Correspondent)
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t least ten people were injured in an explosion that took place at The Rameshwaram Cafe,Bengaluru’s popular eatery,on Friday and in the late midnight four suspects were taken into Custody for questioning.
The explosion took place in the afternoon, triggering panic among the customers and residents in the area. Police teams and fire brigade teams were rushed to the blast site. They were seen analysing the after-effects of the explosion.
Shattered glass and furniture were seen strewn on the floor of the cafe, which drew attention among residents.
A team of forensic experts has also started collecting the evidence from the site of the explosion.Dog squad also arrived at the site of the explosion.
The area was secured by the police and Fire Brigade teams and the injured were hospitalised.
The Rameshwaram Cafe is one of the popular hangouts and is usually extremely crowded during lunch hours.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday that the blast at the popular eatery Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru,might have been caused by an “improvised explosive device” (IED). He said that those responsible will be identified, and strict action will be taken against them.
On whether the Bengaluru blast is an act of terror,CM Siddaramaiah said,”It was not a large-scale blast,it was an improvised explosive blast.
Such things have happened earlier too, it should not happen. Let’s see what it is. In recent times such blasts had not taken place other than the incident in Mangaluru (Nov’22 pressure cooker blast) during BJP rule.This is the first such incident during our government,”
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru,CM Siddaramaiah said, “CCTV and other things are being examined.We have come to know that someone placed a bag in the afternoon.It is said to be an improvised explosive blast.
Investigations are ongoing,and we need to wait for the results.When asked if it was a terrorist act,the CM clarified that it is not confirmed, and investigations are still in progress.
Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast:
Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot,MP,PC Mohan,Karnataka BJP President,BY Vijayendra,Union Minister,Prahlad Joshi,with Deputy chief minister,DK Shivakumar and state home minister G Parameshwara, along with DGP Alok Mohan, Commissioner of Police B Dayananda visited the Bengaluru explosion site for inspection.
Blast occurred in a bag kept by a youth an hour ago, says deputy CM:
Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast live: On the Bengaluru cafe blast, Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar said, “It was a low-intensity blast.
A youth came and kept a small bag which exploded after an hour.About 10 people received injuries.7-8 teams formed to probe the incident. We are looking at all angles.I ask every Bangalorean to not worry.”
First ensure ‘guarantee’ of safety and security to the people of Karnataka,’ says Karnataka assembly LoP
Leader of Opposition in the Assembly and BJP leader R Ashoka said Rameshwaram Cafe bomb blast was yet another glaring example of the “deteriorating law and order situation” in Karnataka ever since the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government came to power in the state.
“Wherever the Congress comes to power, the terrorists and anti-national elements feel emboldened because of its policy of unabashed and unbridled appeasement,” he alleged.
“The Congress government should first ensure ‘guarantee’ of safety and security to the people of Karnataka,” he said.
CCTV footage from the cafe is being examined. It has come to be known that someone had left a bag at the cafe. The accused in the incident will be punished,” Karnataka CM tells reporters.
Karnataka director general of police Alok Mohan says, ” The CM and the Home Minister have been given complete information on the incident.
Nine people were injured in the incident. An investigation is underway. We will get feedback from the FSL team.”
As a low-intensity IED blast took place in Bengaluru’s popular Rameshwaram cafe during busy lunch hour, investigators are finding clues from CCTV footage.
Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said the suspect has been identified as a man of 28 to 30 years old.
He came to the cafe during the breakfast hour, and bought a coupon for Rava idli but left the cafe without having the idli.
The mindset has to be changed.They (Karnataka government) are saying ‘Brand Bengaluru’ but it will become ‘Bomb Bengaluru’.
I request the government to take serious action.There is no law and order.This government is not running properly,” R Ashoka,leader of opposition in Karnataka assembly.
CM must give free hand to investigate,’ says BJP MP Tejasvi Surya :
“At first, they tried the narrative of cylinder blast. Now, they are trying the narrative of business rivalry. Why can’t the Congress Govt allow the investigation agencies to do their job? Why preempt? Why prompt? Vote Bank compulsions?” BJP MP Tejasvi Surya said in an ‘X’ post.
“CM Siddaramaiah must give free hand to investigate and give clear answers to people of Bengaluru,” he added.
Eatery owner says two explosions took place within 10 seconds:
Divya Raghavendra Rao, co-founder and managing director of the cafe chain, said she was told there were two explosions within 10 seconds of each other. “It happened in the area where customers wash their hands something that was kept in a bag exploded,” Rao told
National Investigation Agency (NIA)visit the Bengaluru explosion site as per Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).Forensic team is already at the blast site.
What Karnataka DGP said on condition of people injured in explosion?
“We are conducting an investigation,the FSL team has arrived. We will definitely find out what happened.They are not seriously injured, but are getting treatment now,” says Karnataka DGP.
Between 12.50 and 1pm, a man aged between 28-30 entered the cafe and ordered for Rava Idli. However he didn’t take the order and left the cafe. After 10 min, the blast has occurred. Total 10 injured.
A case under UAPA has been registered at HAL police station. Both bomb squad and police are coordinating with each other for more clues.
What is IED?
An improvised explosive device (IED) is a homemade bomb or destructive device, according to a government document. They can vary widely in form, ranging from small pipe bombs to sophisticated devices causing significant damage and loss of life. They can be carried in vehicles, by individuals, delivered in packages, or concealed on roadsides.
IEDs have these components
IEDs consist of components like an initiator, switch, main charge, power source, and container.
Often, these devices are packed with enhancements like nails, glass, or metal fragments, increasing shrapnel propelled by the explosion. Hazardous materials may also be included. The initiation of an IED depends on the intended target.
How are IEDs made?
IEDs are bombs that are cheap to make and easy to hide and set off. People can make them using everyday materials or chemicals that are easy to find.
Sometimes, they might use military stuff, but usually, they use regular ingredients. Things like fertilizer, gunpowder, and hydrogen peroxide can be used to make IEDs. One common example is ANFO, a mix of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil.
