Security was heightened in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday after a threatening email claimed explosives had been planted at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's official residence and a private bank in the city. The alert prompted immediate action from law enforcement agencies.
Immediate Security Response Triggered
The alarm was raised when the Chief Minister's private secretary received the menacing email. Following protocol, a bomb detection and disposal team along with a sniffer dog squad were swiftly deployed to both locations—the CM's Cliff House residence and the private bank in the Palayam area. Thorough searches were conducted across the premises to ensure public and official safety.
History of Similar Threats and Investigation
After exhaustive inspections, officials confirmed that the threat was a hoax. No suspicious items were found at either site. Police revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Similar emails targeting the Chief Minister's residence have been received several times in the past. In each instance, the sender has referenced political developments and registered cases in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
A formal case has been registered, and an investigation is currently underway. Authorities have identified a significant challenge in tracing the culprit. The threatening emails were sent using applications on the dark web, which are designed to anonymise the sender's identity and location, making the process of tracking the source considerably more difficult.
Standard Procedure for All Threats
Despite the recurring nature of these hoaxes, the police emphasised that security protocols mandate a full response every time. Security checks are carried out as a standard precaution whenever such threats are received, regardless of their perceived credibility. This procedure ensures that no potential danger is overlooked and maintains public confidence in the security apparatus surrounding vital institutions and high-profile individuals.
