Weeks after a low-intensity IED blast rocked the popular Rameshwaram Cafe, Bengaluru police have unearthed another potential threat. During a routine patrol on Sunday night, officers stumbled upon a cache of explosives hidden inside a tractor parked near a school in Chikkanayakanahalli.
The discovery sent shivers down the spines of residents, particularly parents of students attending the nearby school. The seized materials included gelatin sticks, electrical detonators, and other unregistered explosives, raising concerns about their intended use.
Police officials confirmed the lack of proper licensing and safety measures associated with the vehicle. An FIR (First Information Report) has been registered against the tractor's owner, and a full-fledged investigation is underway to determine the source and purpose of the explosives.
This incident comes at a time when Bengaluru police are already stretched thin, grappling with the aftermath of the cafe blast that injured nine people on March 1st. While a manhunt for the suspect, described as someone wearing a cap and mask, continues, the latest seizure has heightened anxieties and underscored the need for heightened vigilance.
Though the exact connection between the cafe blast and the recovered explosives remains unclear, authorities are working overtime to establish a link. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, who had previously hinted at progress in identifying the cafe blast suspect, has assured the public of a swift and thorough investigation into both cases.
The Bengaluru Police Department has intensified security measures around schools and public places in the wake of the incident. Special teams have been deployed to conduct surprise checks on vehicles and establishments suspected of harboring illegal materials.
The recovery of explosives near a school has instilled a sense of unease among the public. While the immediate threat appears to be neutralized, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present dangers lurking beneath the surface. The coming days will be crucial as investigators strive to connect the dots and apprehend those responsible for acquiring and potentially deploying these explosives.