Suspect in Bengaluru Blast Caught on CCTV Walking to Cafe with ‘Bomb Bag’

A team from the National Security Guard (NSG) arrived at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru today to investigate the blast site, which was triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) using a timer, according to police sources.

A newly surfaced CCTV footage captured on Saturday reveals the suspected individual responsible for the blast at Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe. The footage shows the suspect, donning a white cap and mask, walking towards the cafe carrying a shoulder bag believed to contain the explosive device. In the aftermath of the blast on Friday, which left 10 people injured, the accused remains at large, prompting authorities to mobilize 7-8 teams to track him down.

As investigations continue under anti-terror laws, authorities are piecing together details of the low-intensity bomb blast that occurred at the bustling cafe. The NSG team deployed to the blast site commenced their examination on Saturday morning.

Latest Developments:

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar described the suspect as a young man aged between 28 to 30 years old, seen placing the bag near a tree adjacent to the cafe before the explosion occurred. The FIR, based on a supervisor’s complaint, suggests a deliberate attempt to sow chaos and inflict casualties. Hariharan, the additional manager, witnessed the suspect leaving the bag at the site before the blast took place.

The recovery of a timer and other IED components from the Whitefield area further underscores the gravity of the incident. While awaiting forensic reports to ascertain the exact modus operandi of the blast, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara revealed that the suspect was believed to have arrived at the scene via a BMTC bus.

Political Response:

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah convened a meeting with senior police officials to discuss the unfolding situation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to a thorough investigation and urged opposition parties to refrain from politicizing the incident.

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have initiated inquiries under stringent anti-terrorism laws. The focus remains on swiftly apprehending the perpetrator, with several teams actively pursuing leads.

The opposition BJP has called for a comprehensive investigation into the blast. State president B Y Vijayendra underscored the urgency of addressing lapses in governance and intelligence failures.

In response, the owners of Rameshwaram Cafe expressed their cooperation with authorities and conveyed their deep sadness over the unfortunate incident at their Brookefield branch.

Amidst initial speculation of a gas leak triggering the explosion, subsequent investigations have ruled out this possibility, confirming the presence of a suspicious bag at the scene.