One woman was killed and another person was injured in a ‘low-intensity’ explosion triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) outside a restaurant at Church Street in Bengaluru on Sunday. A police officer on the condition of anonymity told The Pioneer that they were investigating the link between the blast and the virtual world of ISIS handler Mehdi Masroor Biswas.
The deceased identified as Bhavani, (38), who hailed from Tamil Nadu and was on a visit to the city, succumbed to serious shrapnel injuriesto her head, City Police Commissioner MN Reddi told reporters at the site late on Sunday. The injured person identified as Karthik is out of danger, he added. According to Reddi, it was a low intensity blast.
He said, “Entire city has been put on alert. We have deployed Cobra Force and bomb squad. We have also summoned anti-sabotage team and other force to look into the incident. There has been a general threat perception in the city. We are on high alert across the city. I request the citizens not to panic.” The police have not confirmed the blast as an act of terror.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Union Minister DV Sadananda Gowda immediately visited the spot. He appealed to the people to be calm. A police officer told The Pioneer that they are investigating the matter. After the arrest of Mehdi Masroor Biswas an officer had received a life threat, he said.
According to the latest reports, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has spoken to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh after the blast. Singh has assured Central assistance. Allaying fears of multiple blasts, State Home Minister KJ George said, “It was a low intensity blast. There is nothing to panic. Everything is under control. Our entire force is on the ground.”