9 Injured as Bomb Blast Rocks Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe

Bengaluru: An improvised explosive device (IED) detonated at the popular Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru’s Kundalahalli area on Friday, injuring nine people, authorities confirmed.

The blast, captured on CCTV footage, sent shockwaves through the city. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the cause of the explosion after investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), bomb squad, and forensics teams.

“Based on the investigation, it appears an IED was used in the attack,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah informed reporters. “The incident occurred around 12:30 pm, and a suspicious bag was found at the scene. We are still investigating the details.”

Earlier, reports emerged suggesting confusion regarding the cause, with some speculating about a gas cylinder explosion. However, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Tejasvi Surya, after speaking to the cafe owner, clarified the situation.

“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,” Surya stated via a social media post. “It seems to be a clear case of bomb blast. Bengaluru demands clear answers from CM @siddaramaiah.”

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…

— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) March 1, 2024

Fortunately, all nine individuals injured in the blast received treatment at Brookfield Hospital and are reported to be out of danger, confirmed Karnataka Police Chief Alok Mohan.