10 injured in Bengaluru cafe blast, CM hints at use of IED

Bengaluru, March 1

A low intensity bomb blast at a popular eatery here on Friday left 10 persons injured even as the police invoked the stringent UAPA provisions in the case.

The police suspect that an improvised explosive device (IED) fitted with a timer inside a bag could have exploded. Officials from the local unit of the NIA arrived at the spot and conducted inquiry. The Bengaluru police haev registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosive Substances Act.

The cafe which is located at Whitefield’s Brookfield area, a vibrant neighbourhood, a business centre as well as a tech hub. It is usually crowded with employees from nearby offices during the lunch hours. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said investigation was on to ascertain the cause and nature of the explosion at the cafe, and added it might have been caused by an “improvised explosive” device.

“The incident should not be politicised and everyone should cooperate,” Siddaramaiah said, adding strict action would be taken against those involved.

Describing the explosion as a “bomb blast”, state police chief Alok Mohan said nobody was seriously injured in the incident.

“At 1 pm, a bomb blast occurred at the cafe, 10 persons are injured, and no one is serious. We are investigating. Forensic teams have come and are checking. The city police commissioner and other officers are at the spot. We will certainly identify who did it,” he said after visiting the spot.

Speaking to reporters, he said the injured — both staff and customers — were undergoing treatment.

Divya Raghavendra Rao, managing director of the cafe, told a Kannada news channel the blast occurred in the area where customers wash their hands.

The explosion occurred in a bag placed by someone from outside, she claimed. A CCTV video of the incident showed an explosion, leading to smoke and panic-stricken customers and others fleeing the place.

The Opposition BJP sought a detailed probe into the matter.