Bengaluru blast terror attack: Kiren Rijiju
Updated
New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS): The low-intensity blast in Bengaluru is a "terror attack" possibly carried out by SIMI, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said Monday.
"Definitely, it is a terror attack," Kiren Rijiju told the media here when asked about Sunday's blast that left a woman dead and three others injured near a restaurant.
On whether the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) was behind the attack, he said: "We have to see the link, if it's the same module which is working there... Possibility is there but unless it is established completely in that direction, we cannot move or make any statement. But, there is a possibility."
"We have upgrade our security apparatus, increase the level of alertness. So, we have to see that our preparation and our standard of operation and the intelligence network, everything needs to be enhanced," Rijiju said.
On a question if such attacks were anticipated ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit to India, he said: "There is nothing called anticipation. These are something which nobody desires to see, but when it has happened, it is definitely a case of concern."
Meanwhile, union Home Minister Rajanth Singh held a meeting with the senior officials of investigating agencies at his office here.
A home ministry official told IANS that Singh will review the security arrangements and also discuss the situations after the Bengaluru blast.
"During the meeting they will also discuss on the possibilities of handing over the case to National Investigating Agency," said the official, adding that two NIA officials have already reached Bengaluru.
Earlier Update
Bengaluru: CM announces Rs 5 lac compensation to kin of blast victim
Updated
Bengaluru, Dec 29 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today announced a compensation of Rs five lac to the kin of a woman who was killed in the low-intensity explosion outside a popular restaurant here that also left three persons injured.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the injured at a hospital here in the wee hours, Siddaramaiah said the government would provide a compensation of Rs five lac to the family of the woman, who succumbed to injuries sustained in the explosion last night.
Karthik who was injured in the blast
The Chief Minister, who earlier rushed to the blast site from Mysuru, said best treatment would be provided to the injured. He said compensation would also be given to the injured, but did not specify the quantum.
The victim identified as Bhavani had come on a visit here from Tamil Nadu and was killed and three others, including one of her relatives, injured in the blast triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in front of the Coconut Grove restaurant on a busy road in the heart of the city around 8.30 pm yesterday. City Police Commissioner M N Reddi confirmed that Bhavani, in her 30s, succumbed to injuries at Mallya Hospital, where she was rushed in a serious condition. Her relative Karthik, who was also injured, is hospitalised but out of danger.
Two more injured - Vinay and Sandeep - are undergoing treatment at HOSMAT hospital. The restaurant is close to the fashionable Brigade Road and MG Road, dotted with bars and restaurants with teeming crowd on weekends.
Earlier Report
Low intensity blast at Church Street in Bengaluru - One dead
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Updated
Bengaluru, Dec 28: A low intensity blast rocked Church Street in Bengaluru on Sunday December 28.
The explosion, which was minor, took place outside Coconut Grove restaurant.
Bhavani (37) who was critically injured in the blast, breathed her last in the hospital.
Karthik (24), Bhavani and two others were injured in the explosion. Karthik is reportedly out of danger. Sources said that Bhavani and Karthik are from the same family and hail from Mavalli. Bhavani stayed in Chennai and was in the city on holidays, it is learnt.
Two others, reportedly identified as Sandeep and Vinay, sustained minor injuries.
An auto driver named Narasimha Murthy rushed the injured to Mallya hospital in his auto, with the help of people who were at the spot.
Top police officials including city police commissioner M N Reddi rushed to the spot and are collecting evidence.
As soon as explosion took place, people were seen running helter skelter and eyewitnesses said that lot of confusion prevailed at the spot. The police have cordoned off the area.
Sources said it was a low-intensity blast from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
M N Reddi said that additional police forces including the KSRP, canine squads and forensic experts have been pressed into action. He said the injured were hit by shrapnels from the IED.
Asked whether there were threats to the city, Reddi said there was a general threat perception due to the festivities, the New Year and recent happenings, but no definite threat, and the police have been alert.
The police commissioner has reportedly sent communique to all police stations, sources said and asked the Bengalureans to be on high alert. "One low intensity blast on Church Street. 2 injured, 1 serious. All requested to be alert & inform 100 if any unintended object found," Reddi stated in his Twitter account.
Union law minister Sadananda Gowda arrived at Church Street to take the stock of the situation. He said he has talked to the police officers in charge at the spot. He assured all assistance from the central government to prevent such incidents in future and said that a thorough investigation would be conducted into this blast.
The bomb had been placed in a drain on the roadside, sources said.
Meanwhile, home minister Rajnath Singh said he has spoken to Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and assured all help from the centre. "Spoke to Karnataka CM Shri S Siddaramaiah regarding the Bangalore blasts. He apprised me of the situation. Centre ready to provide all help," he tweeted.