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While it was initially suspected that a gas leak could have triggered the blast at Rameswaram Cafe here, the fire department ruled out this possibility and said a bag was found at the spot.
Subsequently, police were looking into all angles related to the incident. Forensic teams are trying to ascertain the actual cause of the explosion. Those injured have been shifted to different hospitals for treatment. Among them were two staff and seven customers, officials said.
A bomb disposal squad and forensic teams are at the spot to ascertain the actual cause of the blast as police now suspect that a bag at the eatery exploded.
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Karnataka DGP Alok Mohan, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda and other senior officials are inspecting the premises, which has been cordoned off. NIA and IB officials have been informed, the DGP said.
”At 1.08 pm today, the fire department received a call about LPG leakage fire in the cafe. When our officers and teams reached the spot, there was no fire or flame. A bag which was lying behind a woman who was sitting with six other customers at the eatery exploded. It is suspected that the explosion could have been caused due to some object in that bag,” TN Shivashankar, Director of Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services department told PTI.
It is not clear whose bag it was, he said.
Ruling out about the possibility of any gas cylinder leakage, the officer said, ”I along with my team of officers inspected the spot. But there is no sign of any leakage from the gas cylinder. We have checked it. Another LPG gas cylinder inside the kitchen which was used for tea and coffee was also checked but there is no leakage from it as well. There is no sign of gas leakage from any cylinders at the spot as per our initial probe.”
In total, nine people, including seven customers were injured. Among those grievously injured is the woman who was sitting near the bag. She is being treated at the hospital, he added.
The cafe which is located at Whitefield’s Brookfield area, a vibrant neighborhood, a business centre as well as a tech hub. The cafe is usually crowded with employees from nearby offices during the lunch hours.
Edison, an eyewitness said, ”I was waiting outside the eatery for my turn when suddenly we heard a loud noise… an explosion. We got scared not knowing what it was. There were around 35-40 people at the eatery. They all started rushing out and there was absolute chaos. They started saying that a cylinder exploded. But we don’t know exactly what happened.”
Amruth, who works at a private firm nearby had just placed his order when he suddenly he heard a huge explosion.
”I was waiting outside the cafe after placing my order and the blast took place…we saw some four people were injured. In no time, ambulance and fire engine rushed in. Police teams were here. They started rescuing people…,” he said.