Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe reopens eight days after blast, tight security ensured

The Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru, Karnataka, reopened to customers on Saturday morning, nearly a week after an explosion that injured at least ten people. The blast occurred at the cafe in Bengaluru’s Whitefield area on March 1. The cafe, known for its popularity, welcomed customers amid tight security, with long queues forming outside. Before opening, co-founder Raghavendra Rao and staff gathered to sing the National Anthem.

The cafe has undergone renovations to enhance safety. Rao stated, “We are taking all security measures to avoid such incidents in the future. We are strengthening our security team and considering ex-servicemen to train our guards.” He also expressed gratitude to the government for supporting the cafe’s swift reopening.

Regarding the investigation, Rao mentioned, “We have provided all CCTV footage and information to the authorities and are cooperating with them. We are confident that the NIA will soon apprehend the culprit.” The NIA has offered a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information about the bomber and assured the confidentiality of informants’ identities. They released a picture of the bomber from CCTV footage placing a bag in the cafe.

The NIA took over the case on March 3, following a visit to the blast site. The Bengaluru Police had initially registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act, indicating that an IED device with a timer was used in the explosion.