Bengaluru Consulates Hit by Hoax Bomb Threats, Police Trace Email Origins
Three consulates in Bengaluru were targeted by hoax bomb threat emails last week, leading to heightened security and police investigations. The incidents involved the Japanese, Netherlands, and Italian consulates, with two threats originating from the same suspicious email ID.
Timeline and Complaints Filed
The first threat emerged on January 29 when the Consulate-General of Japan in the Prestige Nebula Building on Cubbon Road received an email at 5:32 AM from gaina_ramesh@outlook.com. The message warned of a bomb and demanded evacuation. Security officer Hoshino Shingo lodged a complaint at the Vidhana Soudha police station. After initial non-cognisable reporting, an FIR was formally registered under sections 351(4) and 353(1)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal intimidation and public mischief.
On the same day, the Netherlands consulate received a similar email threatening an explosion using "5 RDX and an IED." Embassy officer Bhaskar Subrahmani filed a complaint at the R T Nagar police station, resulting in a case being registered.
Italian Consulate Incident and Police Response
A day later, on January 30, the Italian consulate on Richmond Road received a threatening email at 5:25 AM from the same ID used for the Japanese consulate threat. Addressed to the visa and consular departments, it read: "5 RDX to blast in Italy Consulate, Bengaluru at 1 PM. Evacuate diplomats by 10 AM!" Security officer Cosimo Ciciriello filed a formal complaint, leading to an FIR at the Ulsoor police station.
In response, police immediately strengthened security measures at all affected consulates and conducted anti-sabotage checks. The CEN police station (North division) is actively tracing the origin and IP address of the emails. Two FIRs have been transferred to CEN North for further investigation, with a nodal officer overseeing the process.
Investigation Details and Official Statements
Officials have indicated that the threats are likely hoaxes intended to cause panic. A police officer stated, "The Japanese and Italian consulates received emails from the same suspicious ID. Investigations are ongoing to identify the sender." The police are focusing on digital forensics to track the source, with further investigations underway to determine motives and prevent future incidents.
This series of hoax threats underscores the need for robust cybersecurity and emergency response protocols in diplomatic zones. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure public safety and diplomatic security in Bengaluru.
