The initial assessment by central intelligence agencies of Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe blast on Friday suggests that it was likely orchestrated by a small, amateur group of people rather than a large-scale terror organisation. The planning and execution appear unpolished, and the bomb-making and ingredients too indicate the involvement of a small cadre of individuals with limited experience. Agencies will clear the air about the type of explosives used in the attack after an assessment.
At least nine people were injured in a fire caused by the blast reported at Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe on Friday. The explosion occurred around 1pm at the cafe in the city’s Whitefield area.
A team of forensic experts was seen collecting evidence from the site.
The cafe is one of the most popular food joints in Bengaluru.
Sources also said that preliminary findings suggest that the explosive may be a combination of chemicals. It had a small trigger system with homemade explosives and items that may have been sourced locally, they said.
Central intelligence agency sources also claimed that an alert was issued two weeks earlier regarding the upcoming festival season, although it lacked specific details. A senior official noted that the bomb was planted hastily, further supporting the notion of amateur involvement.
Initial investigations by the local police have indicated that the IED was not only locally sourced but there has been an effort to be a copycat terror module.
A senior police officer close to the investigations said that a thorough probe into sleeper cells in Karnataka as well as possible terror groups from neighbouring states is also being looked into.
Six teams of the state police department who are familiar with investigating such terror groups have been sent to search for leads.
Sources said that given the use of an improvised explosive device (IED), it is likely that the low-intensity bomb did not utilise high-grade explosives like RDX. The National Security Guards (NSG) bomb data centre will analyse the explosive and investigate any connections to previous blast patterns.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been called in, and it is anticipated that the case will be transferred to the central body for further probe. Sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) have been invoked in the FIR, underscoring the seriousness of the incident and the need for thorough investigation by specialised agencies like the NIA, said sources.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said that someone seemingly had left a bag at the spot and the CCTV footage was being examined. The CM added that the Rameshwaram Cafe blast was probably caused by a low-intensity improvised explosive device.
“We have learnt that someone had kept a bag there. We are examining the CCTV footage. We are still investigating. Police is at the spot. It was a low-intensity blast,” he said.
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