Two hurt in minor blast in Bengaluru

Two people, including a woman, were injured in a low-intensity blast near a food outlet in the city centre late Sunday, police said.

Security in the city has been tightened in the city.

"A low intensity blast occurred around 8.30 p.m. outside a restaurant on Church Street, in which two people were injured. We have cordoned off the area," Commissioner of Police M.N. Reddi told reporters.

The injured have been identified as Bhavani,37, and Karthik, 33, who were rushed to a nearby private hospital for treatment.

"The blast could be from an improvised explosion device, which was triggered by some culprits to cause panic. We have found shrapnel at the blast site," Reddi said.

As the incident occurred in downtown three days ahead of the New Year eve, the city has been put on high alert.

"We have stepped up vigil and intensified patrolling across the city to prevent any untoward incident further in view of the New Year eve festivities," Reddi said.