Bengaluru cafe blast: Karnataka govt says "accused won't be spared"; BJP demands resignation of CM Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 1 : After as many as 10 people were left injured after an explosion took place at Bengaluru's popular Rameshwaram cafe on Friday, the incident drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which has demanded the resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, citing "no law and order in the state".
However, the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government said that the accused involved in the incident will not be spared, and a thorough investigation is underway. The Chief Minister also urged the opposition parties to avoid politicisation of the matter.
"The investigation into this case should be handed over to NIA. The CM should take responsibility and immediately resign," Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra said.
The Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka also slammed the Siddaramaiah government over the Rameshwaram cafe blast incident and said that the ruling Congress party needs to change its mindset and strictly take action against such nefarious elements who are trying to destabilize the law and order situation in the state.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, R Ashoka said, "The mindset has to be changed. They (Karnataka government) are saying 'Brand Bengaluru' but it will become 'Bomb Bengaluru'. I request that the government to take serious action. There is no law and order. This government is not running properly."
Asserting that "multiple explosions have also taken place in the previous governments," the Karnataka Chief Minister said, "This incident has happened in our government. Disciplinary and strict action will be taken against those who involved. Politics should not be done in this matter."
A team of National Investigation Agency also visited the explosion site in the Whitefield area.
PC Rao, President, Bengaluru Hotel Owners Association, said that the blast incident has not occurred to the cylinder blast.
"The reason has not been identified. We are not sure. Inspection is going on, only after investigative reports we can conclude anything. But this is not a gas blast," he said.
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party leader PC Mohan had expressed concerns over the explosion that took place in Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe and urged the administration to investigate the incident.
In a post on X, the BJP Lok Sabha MP from Bengaluru Central, PC Mohan said, "Concerned to hear about the mysterious blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru Central Parliamentary Constituency. My thoughts are with the affected individuals and their families. Urging authorities to investigate and ensure the safety of all citizens. Stay safe, Bengaluru."
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tejasvi Surya on Friday said that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah must give free hand to agencies to investigate the Rameshwaram cafe blast incident, adding that State government is repeatedly changing its narrative on the matter.
Tejasvi Surya, who represents Bengaluru South constituency in Lok Sabha, questioned the Chief Minister's Siddaramaiah's government intentions over the incident.
"At first, they tried the narrative of cylinder blast. Now, they are trying the narrative of business rivalry. Why can't the Congress government allow the investigation agencies to do their job? Why preempt? Why prompt? Vote Bank compulsions? CM Siddaramaiah must give free hand to investigate and give clear answers to people of Bengaluru," Tejasvi Surya posted on X.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and State Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara along with DGP Alok Mohan, also visited the Bengaluru explosion site for inspection.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday said that the Rameshwaram cafe blast is being investigated from all angles, adding that 7-8 teams have been formed to probe the incident.
Shivakumar also stated that a youth came and kept a small bag, which exploded after an hour.
He has also asked the people of Bengaluru not to worry.
"It was a low-intensity blast. A youth came and kept a small bag, which exploded after an hour. About 10 people received injuries. 7-8 teams formed to probe the incident. We are looking from all angles. I ask every Bangalorean not to worry," he said.
A security guard working at the Rameshwaram Cafe who was present at the time of the incident said, "I was standing outside the cafe. Many customers had come to the hotel. Suddenly there was a loud sound and a fire broke out, causing injuries to the customers inside the hotel."
The Rameshwaram Cafe is one of the popular hangouts and is usually extremely crowded during lunch hours.