Suspicious Blast Rips Through Bengaluru Building: Two Workers Injured
Two workers were injured after a suspicious bag exploded at a building in Pulikeshi Nagar, Bengaluru. Police are investigating IED possibilities.
A wave of panic gripped East Bengaluru on Tuesday evening, October 20, 2026, after a suspected explosion occurred at an under-construction building on Jermiah Road in Pulikeshi Nagar. The blast, which took place on the fourth floor of a structure owned by Abdul Rahman, left two construction workers seriously injured and has triggered a high-level security investigation.
The Moment of the Blast
The victims, identified as Allauddin and Suraj, were working on the site when they encountered a suspicious bag. According to preliminary reports, the bag contained a battery-operated device. In a tragic turn of events, one of the workers reportedly mistook the object for a torch. When he pressed a button on the device, it triggered a sudden and violent explosion.
The impact of the blast resulted in severe injuries. One worker suffered a critical hand injury and lost a finger, while the other sustained a serious injury to his eye. Both were rushed to Bowring Hospital in Shivajinagar for emergency treatment. While one of the injured workers has since been discharged, the other remains under medical supervision.
Police Investigation and IED Suspicions
The gravity of the situation came to light on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, during a press conference held by City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh. The Commissioner revealed that the official investigation was launched immediately after the police received a medico-legal case (MLC) report from the hospital.
While the exact cause of the explosion is still being determined, Commissioner Singh confirmed that authorities are exploring all angles, including the possibility that the device was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). To ensure a thorough probe, the police have registered a suo motu case.
Specialized Units Deploy to Site
Given the suspicious nature of the device, the site was not left solely to local police. A team of specialized units was deployed to inspect the premises, including:
- The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS)
- The Internal Security Division (ISD)
- The police bomb squad
Materials recovered from the blast site have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). Experts are currently analyzing the debris to ascertain whether the explosion was the result of a chemical reaction or a deliberately constructed IED.
Government Appeal for Calm
As news of the blast spread, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge stepped in to manage public anxiety. The Minister has urged citizens to remain calm and cautioned against believing or spreading rumors. He emphasized that the truth will emerge once the FSL releases its official report, which was expected by Wednesday evening.
Commissioner Singh echoed these sentiments, asking the public to stay patient while the investigation proceeds to uncover how such a device ended up at a construction site in the heart of the city.