Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast: Suspect caught on CCTV, seen carrying plate of idlis moments before explosion

PTC Web Desk: Bengaluru was shaken on Friday as a low-intensity bomb blast rocked the popular Rameshwaram Cafe in the Whitefield area, leaving 10 persons injured. The suspected bomber, a yet-to-be-identified person in his 30s, was captured on CCTV, wearing a grey shirt, white cap, and a mask, carrying a plate of idlis moments before the explosion.

The timeline of the tragic event began at 11:30 am when the suspect entered the cafe premises after getting off a bus. CCTV footage reveals that he ordered a plate of Rava idli at 11:38 am. At 11:44 am, he reached the hand wash area, where he allegedly placed a bag containing an improvised explosive device (IED). The suspect left the cafe at 11:45 am, taking a route that avoided CCTV cameras, before disappearing around 100 metre from the cafe's premises.

The blast occurred at 12:56 pm, causing chaos and panic among customers and staff. Forensic teams and bomb squads are actively investigating the scene, combing the area for evidence. Despite the severity of the incident, State Police Chief Alok Mohan assured the public that no one sustained serious injuries.

Another person, seen with the suspect, has been detained and is currently being questioned by the Bengaluru police. The suspect, with his face covered by a mask, glasses, and a cap, was caught on cameras inside Rameshwaram Cafe carrying a plate of idlis. The police are examining his phone calls to determine who he was in contact with.

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) has taken charge of the investigation, deploying multiple teams to identify the accused. National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Guard (NSG) personnel have joined the local police in the investigation. A case has been registered under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act.

The severity of the incident prompted the police to invoke provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosive Substances Act. Individuals previously implicated under anti-terror laws are also under investigation. The suspected IED used in this incident bears resemblance to the one deployed in Mangaluru in 2022 when an autorickshaw exploded.

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