At least eight individuals were left injured following an explosion at Rameshwaram Cafe, a bustling eatery nestled in the heart of India's tech capital, Bengaluru.
The incident, suspected to be the result of an improvised explosive device, sent shockwaves through the city's vibrant landscape on Friday afternoon.
The blast, which occurred just after 1pm local time, rattled the cafe frequented by office-goers seeking a quick meal during their busy day. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic as a small explosive device detonated within the premises, causing chaos and confusion among patrons and staff alike.
Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister of Karnataka state, took to social media to address the unfolding situation, confirming that preliminary investigations suggested the explosive had been concealed within a bag left behind by a patron.
"Around eight people were injured in the incident," he affirmed, vowing to ensure swift justice against those responsible.
Divya Raghavendra Rao, co-founder and managing director of the cafe chain, described the harrowing ordeal, noting that there were two successive explosions within a brief period.
"It happened in the area where customers wash their hands… Something that was kept in a bag exploded," Rao revealed to local media outlets.
State Home Minister G Parameshwara provided reassurance to the public, stating that all injured individuals had been promptly hospitalized, with none facing life-threatening injuries.
Mobile footage captured in the aftermath of the blast depicted a scene of chaos, with smoke billowing within the restaurant premises and injured patrons being assisted by cafe staff.
Authorities swiftly launched investigations into the incident, vowing to uncover the perpetrators behind the heinous act. The cafe's CCTV footage has been handed over to the police, aiding in the ongoing probe to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
Bengaluru, often hailed as "India's Silicon Valley" due to its prominence in the technology sector, was shaken by the unforeseen violence, prompting heightened security measures across the city.
As the investigation unfolds, the resilient spirit of Bengaluru remains undeterred, with authorities and citizens alike standing united against acts of terror.
