Karnataka CM refuses to accept intelligence failure as cause for Bangalore blast

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday refused to accept 'intelligence failure' as the reason for Sunday's blast in Bangalore.

He claimed that the blast took place despite all security measures being in place.

Siddaramaiah was reacting to questions being raised about security arrangements in Bangalore after an explosion, triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in front of a restaurant on the famed Church Street on Sunday, resulted in the death of one person and injuries to two others.

"Everyone is asking if this [the blast] happened due to intelligence failure. It did not. Whatever measures needed to be taken, were taken, but despite them, this has happened. The intelligence agencies are looking at all angles while investigating," Siddaramaiah told media persons.

When asked if the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will take over the case from the Bangalore police, the Karnataka CM stated that the two forces shall coordinate, adding that a special investigating team (SIT) has been formed for the same.

"The Bangalore police will investigate and coordinate with the NIA. A special investigating team has been formed under Additional Commissioner of Police Alok Kumar," he said.

Earlier in the day, Bangalore Police Commissioner M N Reddi had said that special teams have been deployed to investigate the blast. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured that the Centre has offered help to the Karnataka government while Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who termed the blast as a terror attack, stated that security needs to be beefed up with a high level of alertness.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah has announced a compensation of Rs five lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and to those who were injured in the incident.