Sleeper cells are local operatives of a targeted area

They are clandestinely placed in the targeted area

They remain dormant till they get orders

The blasts at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru on a busy Friday afternoon have rattled the city. As many as 9 people have suffered injuries and are being treated at different hospitals. 

While investigations continue, it is being speculated that the blasts could be a handiwork of sleeper cells. 

What are sleeper cells? 

Sleeper cells are cells that are strategically placed in a targeted area. Placed clandestinely, the members of the sleeper cells, live a very furtive life. They gel well with the local population, giving an impression that they are friendly. But they hide their real motive. 

When a bigger terrorist organisation they are linked to gives them the trigger, they become activated and carry out the attack. 

Because of their modus operandi, it is very difficult to discover them. 

In simple terms, they remain dormant till given orders to carry out attacks. 

The blasts

Investigations continue into the blasts. It has come to light that the suspect walked into the cafe, wearing a cap, a mask and a bag. He also purchased a plate of rava idlis, and for them, in cash so as to avoid online trail. 

CM Siddaramaiah also paid a visit to the hospitals early this morning.