High-end Explosives Used in Bengaluru Cafe Blast? Investigators Say 'Well-planned Conspiracy', Forensic Report Awaited

Hours after a blast ripped through Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe, investigators are examining the possibility of use of a high-grade explosive. Officials told CNN-News18 that the crater at the site of the explosion, the blown-off roof and the damaged granite slabs are all leading to a review of the initial assessment that this was a crude bomb.

Traces of explosives picked up from the spot have been sent for forensic analysis. National Security Guard (NSG) teams also reached the explosion site late on Friday night and recovered additional material evidence, sources said.

“It was a sophisticated IED and a well-planned conspiracy,” a probe officer told CNN-News18.

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A digital timer device, a 9-volt HV battery, wires and a bag are crucial material evidence being analysed. “It seems inside the red bag, there was a waterproof pouch which held a plastic container. Nut, bolts, wires, battery and explosives were tightly packed inside this container,” an agency officer told CNN-News18.

The display panel of the digital timer device has been found intact. Along with the timer, the casing of the 9-volt battery is being studied to find out if the material to assemble the IED were procured in Bengaluru or outside.

“The CCTV footage shows white smoke engulfing the area after the blast. Each chemical has its own character and smoke colour so we are analysing this along with traces of explosives. The final forensic report will take time but a preliminary assessment should be available soon,” a probe officer said.

Meanwhile, police personnel are scanning CCTV footage of nearby bus stands to locate the cap-wearing suspect who is seen carrying the bag in the cafe. Mobile tower dumps are also being taken for technical investigation.

Central agency officials said that some similarities with the modus operandi of the Israel embassy blast in Delhi have come up. The main focus, however, is the comparison with the Mangalore pressure cooker blast where the Shimoga Module of ISIS was allegedly involved.

Police officials along with central agencies are zeroing in on suspects who could have been sleeper cells of the Shimoga module, sources said.