Rameshwaram Cafe Explosion Is 'Bomb Blast': Karnataka DGP As CM Says 'Accused Will Be Punished' — Updates

Karnataka DGP Alok Mohan informed that the explosion at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru was a 'bomb blast' while stating that nine people were injured in the incident.

Karnataka's Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Mohan termed the explosion at Rameshwaram Cafe in the capital city Bengaluru on Friday as a "bomb blast" and assured that investigations are underway to identify those responsible. According to news agency PTI, Mohan visited the site of the incident and provided updates to the media, stating, "At 1 PM, a bomb blast occurred at the hotel (cafe), nine people are injured, and no one is serious. We are investigating."

He further added, "FSL (forensic) teams have come and are checking. City police commissioner and other officers are at the spot. We will certainly identify who did it."

Regarding the nature of the explosive device used, Mohan mentioned, "We are checking. Let's not say anything now itself. The FSL team has come and they are checking. Once they collect (samples from the spot), we will examine."

Mohan also confirmed that information about the incident has been shared with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Intelligence Bureau (IB), PTI reported.

Karnataka CM Says 'Accused Will Be Punished', Urges Oppn To Not Do 'Politics' Over Incident

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday asserted that the accused involved in the Rameshwaram cafe blast will be traced and punished, urging the opposition parties to refrain from indulging in politics over the incident.

Addressing reporters in Mysuru, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah 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", as per news agency ANI.

He noted that "multiple explosions have also taken place in the previous governments" and said, "This incident has happened in our government. Disciplinary and strict action will be taken against those who involved. Politics should not be done in this matter."

News agency ANI reported that a security guard present at the cafe during the explosion recounted, "I was standing outside the cafe. Suddenly there was a loud sound and a fire broke out, causing injuries to the customers inside the hotel."

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and State Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara along with DGP Alok Mohan arrived at the Bengaluru explosion site.

Speaking to the media persons, the Deputy Chief Minister informed, "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 Banglorean to not worry."

Karnataka BJP Demands NIA Probe Into Bengaluru Cafe Blast

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, expressed concern over the incident as the state unit demanded NIA probe into the matter. 

As per ANI, Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra said, "The investigation into this case should be handed over to NIA. The CM should take responsibility and immediately resign."

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, and Vijayendra Yediyurappa met the injured admitted to the Brookefield Hospital.

"If the Congress government took whatever happened in the Vidhan Sabha a few days back, this incident would not have happened. It was such a casual reaction...We condemn it and NIA should investigate it...People will not tolerate this," the Union Minister said, as per news agency ANI.

He blamed the "appeasement policy" of the Congress for the incident and alleged that "radicalisation is being encouraged and supported by the Congress," he remarked.

PC Mohan, BJP Lok Sabha MP from Bengaluru Central, emphasised the need for ensuring citizen safety, stating, "Urging authorities to investigate and ensure the safety of all citizens."

Furthermore, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya shared details given by the cafe's founder, stating, "Just spoke to Rameshwaram Café 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’s seems to be a clear case of bomb blast. Bengaluru demands clear answers from CM @siddaramaiah (sic)".

The blast site was swiftly attended by police and fire brigade teams, with forensic experts collecting evidence. The area was secured, and the injured were taken to the hospital for medical attention.

Rameshwaram Cafe, a popular hangout spot, witnessed the explosion during lunch hours.