Moscow, 02 August (H.S.): At least three people were killed and 21 others were injured after an explosive device detonated outside a restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday, triggering a major emergency response and an investigation by Russian authorities.

According to official information released by Russian authorities, the explosion occurred at a restaurant located on Kudrinskaya Square. Preliminary reports indicate that an unidentified woman was carrying an improvised explosive device when she attempted to enter the establishment. A security guard reportedly prevented her from entering, following which the device exploded.

The woman carrying the explosive device, the security guard, and a restaurant patron were killed in the blast. At least 21 other people sustained injuries of varying severity and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Several of the injured are reported to be in serious condition.

Emergency services, police personnel, bomb disposal teams, and forensic experts immediately reached the scene and sealed off the area. Rescue operations were launched while investigators began collecting evidence and examining the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

The National Anti-Terrorism Committee confirmed the casualties and said the incident is under investigation. The Moscow Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal probe to determine the motive behind the attack and establish how the explosive device was brought to the location.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the woman or confirmed whether the blast was linked to any organised extremist or criminal group. Investigators are examining all possible angles as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Security has been tightened across parts of the Russian capital following the incident. Officials have appealed to the public to rely only on verified information and avoid speculation while the investigation continues.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar