Investigation Underway Following Bombing at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Saturday that the police are investigating the bombing at the Rameshwaram Cafe thoroughly and from all possible directions.

In addition to stating that specific information had been obtained via CCTV video, he said that film from the city's public transportation buses was also being examined as part of the investigation to find the offender.

Senior officials from the Home Department have called a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for this afternoon.

Following the Friday incident that left 10 people wounded at the quick-service restaurant in the Brookefield region of the IT corridor in east Bengaluru, a thorough discussion will take place at the meeting, and the government will provide specific directions to the authorities.

"Numerous teams have been formed to conduct inquiries. Serious inquiry is underway, and some traces have been discovered. CCTV video has been used to compile some information. By that point, busses with the number 26 had left the route. Information suggests that the suspect arrived via bus. Accordingly, Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has confirmed that (route number) 26 buses are legitimate," Parameshwara said.

Speaking to reporters in this location, he said that additional buses are being checked for film "on the basis of the theory of elimination" since BMTC buses are equipped with cameras.

"From it, we anticipate information. By compiling all of this data, we will identify the offender. We will release without charge. We will not abandon them, no matter how hard they try to flee," he said.

The Home Minister said that it is now impossible to determine if a specific organization or person was involved. He heard several suggestions during his visit to the business last night, suggesting that someone may have done it because they were experiencing "heartburn" and were unable to process the success and growth of the cafe.

"We'll investigate every possibility. Regardless of the viewpoint, we will confirm them and apprehend those responsible for the explosion," he said.

When asked whether the investigation will be transferred to federal authorities, Parameshwara said, "We have efficient officers and FSLs (Forensic Science Laboratory)." We have progressed. The FSL team has acquired data on timer fixed, explosive capacity, and sample collection. It will support the inquiry. The Home Minister claimed that it has been customary for them to request the resignation of the Chief Minister and Home Minister for "everything" in response to the opposition BJP's demand that he step down and accuse him of failing to maintain peace and order.

"They are persistent in asking for resignation. Did they resign at the time of the 2022 Mangaluru cooker blast? We have an obligation to manage the government; we won't allow anybody to get away," he said, adding that he had pleaded with the opposition to work with him and refrain from politicising the situation since it concerns the security of the people as well as the pride of Bengaluru and the state.

Giving a list of the latest "safe" Bengaluru initiatives implemented by his department, Parameshwara said that more patrols have been conducted, artificial intelligence is being deployed, and over 7,500 cameras have been placed across the city.

"Video from installed CCTV cameras has also been obtained in this occurrence; all of those details are being confirmed. It'll be beneficial," he remarked.

The Minister said, "We can't say like that," when asked whether there was any connection between the event and the "Pakistan zindabad" chant that was recently shouted in the halls of Vidhana Soudha after the announcement of the Rajya Sabha election results. I'm not sure. I'm not allowed to guess."