Bengaluru, March 2 (UNI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday linked the Rameshwaram Cafe blast to the Mangaluru cooker blast.
"There is a link between the Mangaluru cooker blast and this one. Our police are also saying this. The material used in the bomb was similar. The bomb contained a timer and other things. The police from Mangaluru and Shivamogga are in Bengaluru with the investigation. It is a low-intensity blast with local materials," he told reporters here.
Shivakumar also said the government is committed to carrying out a clean and fair investigation. "We have given a free hand to the police. The Central Crime Branch is investigating the case," he said.
As many as 7-8 groups have been formed to track down the bomber, the DyCM said, adding that Bengalureans should not be scared.
Meanwhile, Brookfield Hospital Medical Director Dr Pradeep Kumar said they are happy with the overall response of all the three patients admitted to the hospital. The condition of one of the patients admitted to ICU is fine and showing signs of improvement, he said.
Earlier, the ICU patient suffered from low BP and high blood sugar levels due to post-operative turbulence, Dr Pradeep said. "Psychological help to boost their confidence and overcome stress is also being provided to the patients. Other patients will be discharged in another 24-48 hours," he said.
Meanwhile, security at Kempegowda International Airport has been beefed up. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) officials have sought information from the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), as they suspect the key accused had taken the bus.
Moreover, Bruhat Bengaluru Hotels Association has convened a meeting with police officials, member hotels and other stakeholders to discuss the SOPs to maintain vigil in hotels.
"The incident is a wakeup call for us and we must not let our guard down. We will convene a meeting with member hotels, police officials and other stakeholders on Wednesday to discuss the do’s and don’ts in hotels, review the SOPs and beef up security measures to avert an untoward situation.
We are planning to have a zero-tolerance approach against suspicious individuals and those who are loitering in the hotels henceforth," he said.
Taking to X, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said several teams are working on different leads obtained so far. "Investigation is in full swing in the blast case ... Keeping in mind the sensitivity of it and the security concerns, media is appealed not to indulge in speculation and cooperate," he said.
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