Bengaluru: A personal feud rooted in Assam, rather than a terror plot, was behind the October 20 explosion at an under-construction building in Pulakeshinagar, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said. Police have arrested three Assam-origin men, with investigators linking the alleged attack to personal, land and financial disputes.
The three accused and the person allegedly targeted hail from the same district in Assam, Singh said. The intended recipient passed the parcel to another worker, who opened it and suffered the brunt of the explosion. The police’s official statement said two workers were seriously injured.
Pulakeshinagar IED Explosion Case Cracked Within 72 Hours!
Assam connection: dispute traced to native place
Singh said investigators examined every angle, including terrorism, before concluding that the case arose from personal rivalry. He said the arrests were made within 72 hours and appealed to residents not to panic.
According to the Commissioner, one accused was living in Maski in Raichur district, while the other two were based in Bengaluru. The alleged motive included a land dispute and family issues originating in their native place. Police said further investigation was continuing.
Investigators sought assistance from Assam Police and Raichur Police. Singh said Bengaluru’s East Division police worked with the CCB, Internal Security Division, anti-terrorism cell, bomb detection and disposal squad and central agencies to establish what had happened.
10 teams, more than 1,500 CCTV cameras
Ten special investigation teams examined footage from more than 1,500 CCTV cameras and questioned over 100 people, Bengaluru City Police said. Singh said more than 100 officers and personnel were involved in the investigation.
The Commissioner said the case initially offered few clues: the injured person could not be questioned, while another person’s account was not forthcoming. CCTV footage and other technical evidence helped investigators identify the three suspects.
Police announced a ₹3 lakh cash reward for the investigation team in recognition of its work.
Police caution against lending phones to strangers
Singh said the accused had used other people’s mobile phones in an attempt to mislead investigators. He urged residents to verify requests before allowing strangers to use their phones, while acknowledging that people in genuine need may seek such help.
The Commissioner said an accused with an electrical-work background had gathered information from the internet. He said the alleged attack was personal in nature and that the investigation had dispelled suspicions of terrorism or other subversive activity.
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