10 injured as IED blast rocks Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe; case filed under UAPA

Investigators found a 9v battery, a timer, and a few nuts and bolts scattered around the crime scene. The suspect was identified as a man aged between 30 and 35 years.

The spot where an explosion occurred at The Rameshwaram Cafe at Whitefield in Bengaluru on Friday.Credit: DH Photo/B K Janardhan

Bengaluru: As many as 10 people, including customers and staff, sustained injuries after a low-intensity blast was triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the popular Rameshwaram Cafe in the Brookefield area of Whitefield in the Brookefield area of Whitefield in eastern Bengaluru.

At around 1.06 pm, as the cafe was bustling with nearly 30 to 35 customers the IED, affixed with a timer, triggered the explosion.

Investigators found a 9v battery, a timer, and a few nuts and bolts scattered around the crime scene.

Panic gripped the IT hub as Fire and Emergency personnel and police investigators rushed to the spot.

The suspect was identified as a man aged between 30 and 35 years. “The man ordered Rava idli before keeping the bag near a tree next to the kitchen sink,” Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said while addressing the media. “A timer was fixed and the blast occurred exactly an hour later. It was a low-intensity blast.”

The DyCM said that the movement of the suspect, who reached the eatery via bus, has been recorded including his facial data. “Eight to nine teams have been formed and the probe is being carried out by the Central Crime Branch (CCB). No need to panic.”

Home Minister G Parameshwara said the footage on BMTC buses is being examined.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that the explosion was caused by an IED and assured strict action against the culprits.

Divya Raghavendra, Founder and MD, of Rameshwaram Cafe, clarified to DH that "There were no gas cylinders in the vicinity of the hand wash area. We have complied with all the safety requirements of the fire department. The bag left behind by the suspect was found in the hand wash area. Police are investigating and we are supporting the investigations," Divya said. She added that the police have confirmed to her that the blast was not caused by any material found in the restaurant, but is a result of some material that was brought into the restaurant from outside. “Our concern is to ensure that the injured are safe. We have informed the customer's family that we will take care of the injured person," she added. She also asserted that in the hand wash area, there is no place to sit.

"We have two emergency exits. We have 20 to 30 fire extinguishers.”

A case has been registered at the HAL police station under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosive Substances Act.