Bengaluru cafe blast: Karnataka CM confirms explosion caused by IED, NIA visits site

An explosionat The Rameshwaram Cafe in Whitefield, Bengaluru on Friday (March 1) reportedlyinjured four people,includingthree staff members and a customer.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of theKarnataka state has now confirmed that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED)."There is information of a bag from which the explosion occurred, but we have to get the exact information from the department," he said, adding that he wouldn't like to speculate about the involvement of any organisation or anything.

According to ANI report, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will visit the Bengaluru explosion site as per Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

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Immediately after the incident, the police and fire brigade teams rushed to the site to douse the fire and were seen analysing the aftereffects of the explosion.

After the incident, shattered glass and furniture were seen strewn on the floor of the cafe, which is very popular among the locals.

The area was soon secured by the police and fire brigade teams and the wounded were rushed to the hospital.

"We received a call of an explosion at the Rameshawaram cafe, we reached the spot, and analysed the situation," a Whitefield Fire Station official said.

The Bengaluru police have launched a probe into the incident to findthe exact reason behind the explosion.

The Rameshwaram Cafe is apopular hangout place for the localsand is usually crowded during lunch hours.

Forensic team collects evidence

Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) Dr Alok Mohan on Friday visited the site and interacted with Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda and other police officials present there.

Meanwhile, speaking on the incident, a security guard working at the Rameshwaram Cafe said, "I was standing outside the cafe. Many customers had come to the hotel. Suddenly there was a loud sound and a fire broke out, causing injuries to the customers inside the hotel."

'Concerned about mysterious blast', says BJP MP PC Mohan

Bharatiya Janata Party leader PC Mohan expressed concern over the shocking incident and urged the administration to investigate the explosion further.

"Concerned to hear about the mysterious blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru Central Parliamentary Constituency. My thoughts are with the affected individuals and their families. Urging authorities to investigate and ensure the safety of all citizens. Stay safe, Bengaluru," said the BJP Lok Sabha MP from Bengaluru Central in a post on X.

He further stated that "Pro-Pakistan slogans were heard at Vidhana Soudha recently," demanding the state government to give clear answers about the collapse of law and order in the state.

Unclaimed bag in restaurant

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya who represents Bengaluru South Constituency, in a post on his social media stated the founder of the cafe informed him that the explosion occurred after a customer left a bag in its premises.

"Just spoke to Rameshwaram Cafe founder Sri Nagaraj about the blast in his restaurant. He informed me that the blast occurred because of a bag that was left by a customer and not any cylinder explosion. One of their employees is injured. It seems to be a clear case of bomb blast. Bengaluru demands clear answers from CM Siddaramaiah," Tejasvi Surya posted on X.

(With inputs from agencies)