Bengaluru, March 1: At approximately 1:30 pm today, a bomb exploded at Rameshwaram Cafe, a bustling eatery in Bengaluru, causing significant damage and leaving nine individuals injured. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that the explosion was triggered by a bag left by a customer inside the cafe.
The incident, which occurred during the busy lunch hour, prompted swift responses from Bengaluru Police and fire personnel, who immediately initiated an investigation into the explosion. According to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, preliminary examination of CCTV footage suggests that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) concealed within the bag left at the cafe.
“The 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,” stated CM Siddaramaiah, emphasizing the commitment to apprehending those responsible for the attack.
Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, who visited the site of the blast, recounted that a young man had entered the cafe, purchased food, and left behind a small bag, which later exploded. The popular eatery, located in Kundanahalli, suffered severe damage as a result of the blast, which occurred amidst the presence of employees and workers during lunchtime.
Initial speculation regarding a cylinder blast was dispelled after further examination of the CCTV footage revealed the presence of the suspicious bag. Karnataka DGP Alok Mohan assured the public that none of the injuries sustained were serious and affirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators.
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, reacting to the incident, underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “It seems to be a clear case of a bomb blast.” He called for transparent communication from the authorities regarding the nature of the explosion.
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?
CM @siddaramaiah must give free hand to…
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) March 1, 2024
A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to join the investigation, alongside police sniffer dog units, forensic experts, and probe teams. Immediate rescue operations were prioritized following the blast, with officials emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances and motives behind the explosion.
In response to the incident, senior BJP leader BL Santosh criticized the government’s approach, stating, “Bengaluru & Karnataka are paying a huge price for electing a Govt which prides itself in extreme appeasement at every turn.”
First, slogans in support of Pakistan inside Vidhanasoudha & now a low intensity IED blast inside a bustling restaurant …Bengaluru & Karnataka are paying huge price for electing a Govt which prides itself in extreme appeasement at every turn… High time society understands this.
— B L Santhosh (@blsanthosh) March 1, 2024
As investigations continue, the community awaits further updates on this alarming incident that has shaken the city of Bengaluru.
