Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said that the explosion at the popular Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru’s Whitefield area may have been triggered by an improvised explosive device, adding that investigations are underway to determine its cause and nature. Nine people were injured in the incident that took place at around 1 PM, during the busy lunch hour at the popular and bustling eatery.
He assured that those responsible would be identified, and decisive action would be taken against them.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, he said, “CCTV and other things are being examined. We have come to know about someone placing a bag. It is said to be an improvised explosive blast. We have to see, the investigations are on.”
Asked whether it was a terrorist act, the CM said, it is not known and investigations are on. Police are at the spot and he has asked the Home Minister also to visit the spot.
“It was not a large-scale blast, it was an improvised explosive blast. Such things have happened earlier too, it should not happen. Let’s see what it is. In recent times such blasts had not taken place other than the incident in Mangaluru during BJP rule. This is the first such incident during our government,” he added, as quoted by PTI.
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, they told me about the ongoing investigation. There was a small bag carried by a person. 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.
(With PTI inputs)