Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated on Sunday that the investigating authorities delving into the Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast are exploring a range of potential motives, including business rivalry and efforts to instill fear in the city ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Parameshwara convened a high-level meeting with senior officials to assess the progress of the investigation.
The police have intensified their efforts to identify the perpetrators who planted the explosive device at the popular cafe in the city, resulting in injuries to 10 individuals.
Providing updates on the investigation into the Rameshwaram Cafe blast, Home Minister Parameshwara mentioned that one of the angles being scrutinized is whether the incident aimed to create fear in Bengaluru, particularly in light of the impending Lok Sabha polls. "With elections on the horizon, if any group is responsible or if there are ulterior motives to intimidate the populace and portray Bengaluru as unsafe, given the influx of investors, it needs to be thoroughly investigated," Parameshwara emphasized. He further noted that the possibility of business rivalry influencing the incident is also under investigation.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is anticipated to assume control of the blast investigation. Presently, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) Bengaluru is leading the inquiry, with support from both the NIA and National Security Guards. To explore various leads, eight teams have been assembled.
Efforts to track down and identify the suspect have been bolstered through the retrieval of 40-50 CCTV camera recordings. As per the home minister, footage captured 26 BMTC buses, one of which the suspect is believed to have used to reach the site. However, due to the suspect's disguise comprising a cap, glasses, and a mask, visual identification remains challenging.
Sources within the police revealed that four individuals were detained for questioning from Dharwad, Hubballi, and Bengaluru. Nonetheless, there has been no significant breakthrough in the case thus far, although Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed optimism that the perpetrators would be apprehended soon, aided by CCTV footage analysis.
In response to the incident, the management of Rameshwaram Cafe announced that their Brookfield outlet, where the blast occurred, will resume operations on March 8.
