Bengaluru cafe blast: Suspect ordered rava idli before planting explosives
What's the story
In the latest development on the blast at the Rameshwaram Cafe in Karnataka's Bengaluru, police have reportedly revealed that the accused was captured on CCTV cameras ordering rava idli at the restaurant. Reports also said that the suspect, aged between 28 and 30, could be seen on CCTV loitering near the area where the explosion took place. He had a mask on.
Context
Why does this story matter?
At least nine people reportedly suffered injuries in Friday's blast at the popular Bengaluru cafe, which intelligence sources later claimed could have been caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). On the other hand, officials are investigating possible terror links to the low-intensity midday blast that has sent shock waves across the Silicon Valley of India.
Twitter Post
Alleged visual of Bengaluru cafe blast accused
Suspect in the #RameshwaramCafe blast in Bengaluru caught on CCTV. pic.twitter.com/rpxTENkwiF
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) March 2, 2024
CCTV footage
Accused left cafe without eating before blast: Reports
According to the police, the accused took the coupon after ordering food at the cafe but did not eat it. Before leaving the restaurant, he left a bag under a sink near a tree within the cafe premises, following which the blast took place at around 1:00pm. Probe officials believe the suspect may have come to the cafe using a bus.
Probe underway
Investigating officers use technology to identify suspect
Armed with crucial visuals from the time of the explosion, probe officials are allegedly using facial recognition software and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to find the suspect. Nuts and bolts were also found strewn at the cafe, and forensic teams are reportedly looking into them. Several videos have surfaced online showing dramatic footage of the partial collapse of the cafe roof after the blast.
Twitter Post
You can watch CCTV footage from inside the cafe here
Explosion at Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe caught on CCTV camera
— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2024
(Video source: Police) pic.twitter.com/lhMtK3rsOs
Case registered
Police file FIR under anti-terror act, all angles being examined
Meanwhile, authorities have filed an FIR under the Anti-Terror Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosive Substances Act, with officials stressing that all possibilities are being considered. A senior official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the case, did not dismiss the possibility of a terror attack. Reports also suggested that the use of shrapnel and explosive placements suggested the suspect sought maximum impact, possibly targeting the cafe for its high foot traffic and location in Whitefield.