Blast at Rameshwaram Cafe
A blast occurred at Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe on Friday afternoon, resulting in injuries to at least ten individuals, according to officials. Among the injured, two were cafe staff members, while the rest were customers, all of whom have been transferred to different hospitals for treatment.
Investigation and Suspect Identification
Authorities discovered a women’s handbag at the scene, leading them to suspect it as the source of the explosion. Bomb disposal squads and forensics teams are on-site to ascertain the exact cause of the blast, with police now considering the possibility that the bag at the eatery exploded.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar revealed that a suspect, believed to be between the ages of 28 and 30, was identified through CCTV footage. The individual was seen ordering Rava Idli at the cafe.
Authorities are exploring the possibility of a business rivalry motive in the investigation, although restaurant co-founder Divya Raghavendra Rao dismissed this notion. “Typically, business rivalries entail other tactics… I doubt anyone would resort to harming individuals and posing a security risk,” she stated. Situated in the heart of the tech hub, the restaurant has garnered endorsements on social media from celebrities and Bollywood actors. Additionally, it was selected as one of the caterers for an event leading up to a high-profile wedding.
Confirmation of IED
Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that the explosion was triggered by an improvised explosive device (IED), which was left in a bag by an unidentified person.
Insurgents and terrorists frequently opt for homemade bombs, commonly referred to as IEDs or booby traps, as their preferred weapons. These explosives are relatively simple to assemble, can be concealed with ease, and possess the capability to inflict significant damage.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigations
In response to the incident, a legal case has been filed at the HAL Police Station under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosive Substances Act. Investigations are ongoing, with the Chief Minister stating that it is unclear whether there was a terrorist motive.
Law enforcement authorities are using AI-powered facial recognition technology to track down the suspect who left the bag. The Central Crime Branch has been tasked with the investigation, with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar expressing optimism about apprehending the suspect soon.
Recovery of Evidence and Heightened Security
While no one has claimed responsibility for the blast, evidence including a timer device, shrapnel, and a broken tiffin box has been found at the scene. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is involved, and security measures in Bengaluru have been heightened.
Injuries and Response
CCTV footage captured the moment of the explosion, causing injuries to several individuals. Medical attention has been provided to those affected, with some sustaining burns and hearing problems. The restaurant’s operations are expected to resume normalcy soon, with government support pledged for the injured.
Political parties have exchanged statements regarding the incident, with the opposition alleging a rise in terrorist activities under the current administration. However, the Chief Minister urged against politicizing the issue.
An Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaos and panic following the blast, with conflicting initial perceptions of the event. While some speculated it was a cylinder explosion, others described a sudden loud noise and fire breaking out inside the cafe.
A security guard at the cafe recounted to reporters, “I was stationed outside the cafe as usual. Many customers were present at the establishment. Suddenly, there was a deafening noise followed by flames erupting, resulting in injuries to patrons inside the cafe.”
Another eyewitness named Edison shared his experience, stating, “I was waiting outside the eatery, anticipating my turn, when we were startled by a loud explosion. We were gripped with fear as we couldn’t comprehend what had occurred. There were approximately 35-40 people inside the eatery at the time. Everyone began rushing out, and chaos ensued. Some speculated that a gas cylinder had exploded, but the exact nature of the incident remains unclear.”
Amruth, an individual working at a nearby private firm, described his perspective, saying, “I had just placed my order and was waiting outside the cafe when I heard a tremendous explosion. The blast occurred suddenly, and we witnessed several people sustaining injuries. Soon after, ambulances and fire engines arrived at the scene, followed by the arrival of police teams who commenced rescue operations.”
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