Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru to reopen "Brighter" eight days after blast

Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe, where a low-intensity explosive detonated last week during lunch, injuring 10 people, is set to reopen "brighter and stronger" on Saturday morning.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the case, announcing a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information about the suspected bomber captured on the cafe's CCTV footage just before the blast.

Sridhar Murthy, the restaurant's HR head, stated that repair and rebuilding efforts began immediately after the NIA handed over the building. "Our team worked around the clock...Fortunately, there was no serious damage, and everyone suffered only minor injuries," Murthy added. The cafe's co-owner, Divya Raghavendra Rao, mentioned the reopening ceremony would include a rendition of the national anthem.

Metal detectors have been installed at the entrance, and staff are equipped with handheld detectors. Additional CCTVs have been set up, and the cafe is cooperating with authorities, surrendering all relevant CCTV footage and information. Provisions of anti-terror laws have been invoked against those responsible for the blast.

The NIA, taking charge of the case, seeks information about the suspected bomber and can be contacted through email at [email protected] or phone at 080-29510900 and 8904241100.

The suspect, captured on CCTV wearing a cap, face mask, and sunglasses, is seen walking to the cafe from a nearby bus stop. Carrying a small backpack with the improvised explosive device (IED), he spent only nine minutes inside the cafe before the blast occurred at 12:56 pm.

The cafe also conducted a small puja for the pillar where the suspect left the bag, displaying resilience in the face of the incident.