NIA probe can be ordered in Bengaluru blast: Rajnath Singh

In the wake of the low intensity blast in Bengaluru, Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said if required the case could be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Rajnath Singh said that the central government is waiting for details about the incident from the state government.

"Intelligence agencies are working on this case. If required, the case could be handed over to the NIA," he said.

A woman died and three persons were injured in the blast near a restaurant in Bengaluru Sunday.

Earlier, the home minister reviewed the Bengaluru blast situation with the heads of security and intelligence agencies and senior home ministry officials.

He also spoke with Karnataka Chief Minister S. Siddaramaiah Sunday night immediately after the Bengaluru blast and assured him of all help.

Rajnath Singh Monday met Union Minister for Law and Justice D.V.Sadananda Gowda and Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Ananth Kumar here and discussed the situation in the aftermath of the blast.

"Two of our senior ministers from Karnataka - Ananth Kumar and Sadananda Gowda - met and gave details about the incident. Gowda went to the site and provided us with all information," he said.

"We will decide once we have all the information. The state and central intelligence agencies are playing a very active role at the moment and a final decision will be taken after consulting them," he said.

"At the moment, I cannot give a reason behind the attack and also the terrorist organisation behind it..." he added.

After meeting officials of the investigating agencies at his office, he said: "I appeal to all state governments to install CCTV cameras in all mega cities at the earliest...so that if any incident takes place, a proper investigation can be carried out."

"At the moment, our intelligence agencies are collecting information and we are in direct talks with the Karnataka government. What is to be done next...I believe that within 24 hours, after all the information is collected, we will plan our next strategy," he said.

The home minister said that he has appealed to the Karnataka government that in a big city like Bengaluru, Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras should be installed at the earliest.

"If the state government faces any problem in installing CCTVs, and asks for assistance from us, then we are ready to provide them (all help)," he said.

Meanwhile Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju confirmed that the low intensity blast was a "terror attack".

"Definitely, it is a terror attack," Kiren Rijiju told the media in the capital.

On whether the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) was behind the attack, he said: "We have to see the link, if it's the same module which is working there... Possibility is there but unless it is established completely in that direction, we cannot move or make any statement. But, there is a possibility."

We have to upgrade our security apparatus, increase the level of alertness. So, we have to see that our preparation and our standard of operation and the intelligence network, everything is enhanced, Rijiju said.

When asked if such attacks were anticipated ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit to India, he said: "There is nothing called anticipation. These are somethings which nobody desires to see, but when it has happened, it is definitely a case of concern."