Rameshwaram Cafe Blast Accused Who Ordered Rava Idli Identified, UAPA Case Filed

Authorities have made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru's Kundalahalli area. The accused responsible for the explosion, which left several injured, has been identified through CCTV footage.

Rameshwaram Cafe Blast: Accused Took BMTC, Ordered Rava Idli

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar provided details about the accused, stating that the individual, believed to be between 28 and 30 years old, was captured on CCTV footage. The suspect reportedly arrived at The Rameshwaram Cafe by BMTC bus, purchased a coupon, and ordered Rava Idli, but left without consuming the food. The suspect placed the bag containing the explosive device and then departed the premises. Shivakumar also confirmed that a timer was used in the blast.

The explosion resulted in injuries to at least ten individuals. Authorities have assured that no additional IEDs were found on the cafe premises besides the one discovered in the bag, according to sources. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the individual who placed the bag inside the cafe took a token from the cash counter. The cashier is currently undergoing questioning.

Addressing concerns about whether the incident constituted a terrorist act, the Chief Minister emphasized that it remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing, as reported by news agency PTI. Siddaramaiah noted that while it was not a large-scale blast, it was an improvised explosive blast.

Cafe blast: Case registered under UAPA and Explosive Substances Act

In light of this development, Bengaluru Police have registered a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosive Substances Act in connection with the explosion at the city's popular eatery Rameshwaram Cafe on Friday, officials said. A statement issued by the city Police Commissioner's office said 10 people were injured in the blast. The bomb exploded between 12.50 pm and 1 pm, and a total of 10 people including hotel staff and customers were injured in the blast. However, there was no loss of life, it added.

The accused had ordered a dish of Rava Idli at the cafe shortly before triggering the blast. The footage captured the movements of the accused. 8 police teams are formed for the search operation. #Karnataka #Bengaluru #RameshwaramCafe #BengaluruBlast #RameshwaramCafeBlast pic.twitter.com/1ZteqiFmmH

— Madhuri Adnal (@madhuriadnal) March 1, 2024

In this regard, a case has been registered at HAL police station under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 and the Explosive Substances Act.

Forensic experts and a bomb disposal squad have visited the spot and are investigating, it said.

Earlier in the day Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the incident should not be politicised and everyone should cooperate, as he assured that strict action would be taken against those involved.

Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya asked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to give a free hand to the police and investigating agencies to conduct the probe and give clear answers to people of Bengaluru about the incident.

"At first, they tried the narrative of cylinder blast. Now, they are trying the narrative of business rivalry. Why can't the Congress government allow the investigation agencies to do their job? Why preempt? Why prompt? Vote Bank compulsions?" he posted on X.

At first, they tried the narrative of cylinder blast. Now, they are trying the narrative of business rivalry.

Why can’t the Congress Govt allow the investigation agencies to do their job? Why preempt? Why prompt? Vote Bank compulsions?

CM @siddaramaiah must give free hand to…

— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) March 1, 2024