Bengaluru Cafe Blast: Rameshwaram Cafe to Reopen on March 8, Says CEO

Bengaluru: A low intensity bomb blast took place at the popular Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru, Karnataka on March 1, injuring 10 people. Earlier suspected to be a cylinder blast, the Bengaluru cafe blast has turned out to be a well-planned terrorist attack. The blast occurred at the Whitefield branch of the famous Rameshwaram Cafe, in which the prime suspect has been identified. 

Catch all the latest developments regarding the blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru with Republic.

Bengaluru Cafe Blast: 8 teams formed for Probe

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said today that eight teams have been constituted to probe the IED blast at the Rameshwaram Cafe in Brookefield, Bengaluru on March 1.

Rameshwaram cafe to reopen on March 8

Rameshwaram Cafe, which was rocked by a massive bomb blast on Friday afternoon causing injuries to at least 10 people, will be reopened on March 8th on the auspicious occasion of ‘Mahashivratri’.

Raghavendra Rao, Co-Founder & CEO of Rameshwaram Cafe issued a statement saying, “As we face this challenging situation, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the authorities for their support. We firmly believe that no force can dampen the spirit of our nation. We have decided to reopen our Brookfield outlet within a week of the unfortunate incident, which is on the auspicious day of Mahashivratri, the 8th of March (Friday). We extend a warm invitation to all authorities and customers to join us for our reopening. Let us unite in solidarity and demonstrate that together, we are unyielding in our commitment to moving forward."

Suspect in Bengaluru bomb blast case caught on CCTV camera, claim sources

The suspect in the Bengaluru bomb blast case has been captured on CCTV camera installed inside the cafe while making the payment at the cash counter. Sources claimed that in the CCTV footage, he is seen placing the phone on the table and even making a gesture like he's taking a call while checking out the CCTV cameras installed inside.

It is being said that in the footage, it is being noticed that even while eating the idly the accused doesn't remove the mask completely. The police investigating the case suspect that the accused is a highly trained individual who had planned his exit very well by changing multiple modes of transport to evade detection.

The police are making efforts to trace the calls he made or received on his phone. 

BJP slams Congress over Bengaluru Cafe Blast probe

BJP leader Rajeev Chandrashekhar slammed the Congress over the Bengaluru Cafe Blast probe. “The Congress denied the IED blast. Within half an hour of the blast, the Deputy CM called it a cylinder blast. Later, he called it a business rivalry. Why is the Congress in denial mode? Their agenda is clear. A dangerous atmosphere ie being created. Under Congress, anti-national forces are working freely."

Earlier today, Chandrashekhar said, “I don't want to undermine the police. This is a serious issue. The bomb blast was a very dangerous and disturbing incident. State ministers should not brush it under the carpet by calling it a cylinder blast. The police must be given a free hand in the investigation. Bengaluru is an important city of our digital economy. We have to work together to make sure Bengaluru remains safe.”

Investigation officer appointed for Bengaluru Cafe Blast

Naveen Kulkarni of the Central Crime Branch has been appointed as the investigation officer of the Bengaluru cafe blast case.

Link between Mangaluru cooker blast and Bengaluru cafe explosion: K'taka Dy CM

DK Shivakumar, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru City Development Minister said in a press meet today that there seems to be a link between the Rameshwaram Cafe blast in Bengaluru and the 2022 cooker blasts in Mangaluru. "There seems to be a link between Mangaluru incident and this incident, according to police officers…materials used (for explosions), we can see a similarity, we can see a link, timer and other things," Shivakumar said.

The Dy CM informed that police officers from Mangaluru and Shivamogga were in Bengaluru to explore all angles in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case. "There is no reason for Bengalurians to worry, it was low intensity blast, it was prepared locally... but sound was big. Culprit's face is visible from all angles despite him wearing cap or specs. From three-four angles he is seen. Cameras have captured him walking too," said Shivakumar.

High-level review meet by CM Siddaramaiah

A high-level meeting is being held at Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's home office, where the Home department officials are briefing the CM about the investigation and progress made in the Bengaluru blast case. Present in the meeting are the Home Secretary as well as Karnataka DG Dr Alok Mohan and Bengaluru Commissioner of Police B Dayananda.

One detained, 4 more being quizzed

One person has been detained and three more are being quizzed in the Rameshwaram Cafe bomb blast case in Bengaluru.

CM Siddaramaiah inspects blast site

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah inspected the blast site today at the Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru.

CM’s review meeting at 1 pm today

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be holding a high-level review meet at 1 pm today in connection with the Rameshwaram Cafe blast in Bengaluru on March 2.

CM Siddaramaiah meets Bengaluru blast victims in hospital

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with the injured victims of the Rameshwaram Cafe blast at the Brookefield the hospital in Bengaluru. The CM assured the families of the victims that their medical expenses will be taken care of.

CM Siddaramaiah to visit Bengaluru blast injured in hospital

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is on his way to Bengaluru from Mysuru, will directly visit the hospital to enquire about the health of those injured in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast. The CM will arrive at HAL airport from Mysuru at 11.45 am and proceed to the hospital.

'We'll find suspect at the earliest', says CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said about the Rameshwaram Cafe IED blast, “It is true that a blast has happened. One man who wore mask and cap came on bus. Ordered rava idly at the counter. Then he went and sat in a place. He kept timer and went. Nine are injured. All are out of danger. DCM, HM went to the spot. I will also go. We don't know who he is. His photos have come. Getting down from bus, taking token, sitting there, keeping bag there. At the earliest, we'll find him.” (sic)

CM Siddaramaiah to visit Bengaluru blast site today

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will arrive at the Rameshwaram Cafe this afternoon after the IED blast at the eatery

FIR registered in Bengaluru Blast Case

The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case in Bengaluru under Sections 307, 471 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 16, 18 and 38 of UAPA, and Sections 3 and 4 of the Explosive Substances Act.  

The findings in the FIR mention that the blast was carried out with “an intention to cause harm”.  The report says the “suspected bomber ordered food but left without eating. Suspected bomber was carrying a bag. Suspected bomber seen placing the bag at the counter. There were nuts and bolts found at the spot”. The FIR calls this a “conspiracy to murder people” and a “terrorist act”.

Rameshwaram Cafe Blast: Suspect identified through CCTV footage

A suspect has been identified in the Rameshwaram Cafe via closed circuit television (CCTV) camera footage. A man is seen wearing a white cap and standing inside the Rameshwaram Cafe. He apparently went in to have breakfast at the eatery and placed a bag full of explosives in the cafe, which caused the blast. The blast at Rameshwaram Cafe was caused due to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which had been fitted with a timer, confirmed the police.

UAPA case registered

The Bengaluru police have registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosive Substances Act (UAPA).

CM holds meet after Bengaluru blast

It has been reported that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a meeting of the state Home Department officials in the wake of the blast. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) is doing the investigation with seven to eight teams.