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Bengaluru blast: IED suspected, says CM Siddaramaiah; DCM calls it low intensity blast

State Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara said that samples were being collected to ascertain whether it was an IED blast.

South First Desk

Published Mar 01, 2024 | 6:40 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 01, 2024 | 11:49 PM

CM

Siddaramaiah speaking to reporters.

At least nine people were injured following a blast at the Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru on Friday, 1 March.

Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was suspected but nothing was confirmed yet. Home Minister G Parameshwara refused to speculate on the nature of the explosion without an official confirmation from the police department.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said it was a low intensity blast and investigation is underway.

“A youngster has kept a bag and there was a blast after an hour. It was a low intensity blast. All injured are out of danger. It was not a very big bomb but we have to do our duty. 7-8 groups of investigating officers are already on the job. We are looking at all angles,” the deputy Chief Minister said.

The police as well as the fire and emergency services personnel ruled out the possibility of a cylinder blast or LGP leak. Fire department officials said a bag was found at the spot prompting the possibility of an explosive leading to the blast.

Forensic teams are trying to ascertain the actual cause of the explosion. Samples of the said bag and other items from the site of explosion have been collected for analysis.

The cafe is located in Whitefield’s Brookfield area, a vibrant neighbourhood, a business centre as well as a tech hub.

Updates: Explosion in Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe; CCTV gives clues

‘Investigation underway’

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the investigation is underway and there was no confirmation on anything.

“As per the information I have, it is being claimed someone carried in a bag. It is being probed. Some eight persons are injured. They are examining CCTVs which show someone keeping a bag there. It is said to be an IED (improvised explosive device). We have to wait for the probe.”

When a reporter asked if it was a terrorist act, Siddaramaiah answered: “We don’t know yet. Investigation is underway”.

Stating that the incident should not be politicised and everyone should cooperate, Siddaramaiah said strict action would be taken against those involved.

Asked if any high-level inquiry will be ordered, he said, “Let the things become clear. As of now, we have information that the blast has taken place.”

“I have spoken to the police, and they told me about the ongoing investigation. The identity of the person is not known. The cashier at the eatery is being questioned, as the person had gone to the cashier to take the token and ate the food…the same person had placed the bag,” he added.

Also Read: Siddaramaiah flays PM, FM over funds to Karnataka

‘Ascertaining whether it was an IED blast’

State Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara said that samples were being collected to ascertain whether it was an IED blast.

“There was a blast at a cafe this afternoon. We are investigating how it happened and who did it or how it happened. Our commissioner and DGP have visited the spot, and the FSL team and bomb disposal squad have gone there. Samples are being collected. We will know the source soon,” he said.

“Some nine people are injured and all have been shifted to the hospital. I am told none of them is critical or serious,” he added.

“Samples are being collected to see if it was an IED. Many people are making many claims of IED being placed and about a bag there but we are yet to get official confirmation. The home department will give official information. I will not speculate. This is not the place to speculate anything. That isn’t right. I won’t react until I get an official report from the department,” Parameshwara said.

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