A major security alert was triggered in the Kerala capital on Thursday after a hoax bomb threat was sent via email, targeting the official residence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and a branch of a private bank. The threat, which was swiftly deemed non-credible by authorities, led to extensive checks by bomb detection and disposal squads, causing a brief period of high tension.
Security Scramble at Cliff House and Bank
The incident unfolded on the morning of May 30, 2024. An email containing the bomb threat was received by the authorities, specifically naming the Chief Minister's official residence, Cliff House, located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram. The threat also extended to a branch of the Federal Bank situated in the city's Statue area.
Acting immediately on the information, the local police and security personnel swung into action. Teams from the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) and the Dog Squad were rushed to both locations. A thorough and meticulous search operation was conducted at Cliff House and the bank premises to rule out any potential danger.
Threat Declared a Hoax, Investigation Launched
After completing exhaustive checks, the police confirmed that the threat was a hoax. No suspicious items or explosives were found at either site. The security around the Chief Minister's residence was subsequently scaled down to normal levels, and operations at the bank resumed without further disruption.
However, the investigation into the source of the threatening email is now a top priority for the law enforcement agencies. The Cyber Police have been roped in to trace the origin of the email and identify the individual or group responsible for creating the scare. Sending such threats is a serious criminal offense, and the police are pursuing all digital leads to apprehend the culprit.
Pattern of Hoax Threats and Legal Repercussions
This event is not an isolated one in recent times. There has been a noticeable pattern of similar hoax bomb threats being sent to various institutions across the country, often via email. These threats cause significant public alarm, waste crucial security resources, and disrupt daily life.
The police have emphasized that perpetrators of such hoaxes will face strict legal action. The relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act are invoked in such cases. The charges can include criminal intimidation, causing public mischief, and violations of cyber laws, which carry substantial penalties including imprisonment.
Authorities have also urged the public to remain vigilant but not panic in the face of such unverified threats. They have reiterated that all credible information will be acted upon with utmost seriousness, while hoaxes will be dealt with firmly by the law.
