Bengaluru police have launched a full-scale investigation after the city's police commissioner received a chilling email threat warning of multiple bomb explosions across the city. The alarming message, which turned out to be a hoax, specifically targeted Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and several prominent shopping complexes.
Details of the Threatening Email
The incident unfolded on November 30, when an email landed in the official inbox of the Bengaluru police commissioner at 11:53 am. The sender, identifying as Mohit Kumar from a Gmail account, claimed to be from the "Jaish-e-Mohammed white collar terror team". The email explicitly stated, "This is a warning... We have targeted Kempegowda International Airport, Orion mall, Lulu mall, Forum south mall and Mantri square mall for bomb blasts from 7 pm onwards."
In a sinister twist, the threat included a phone number and suggested that the purported attacks could be prevented only if a payment was made by calling that number. This attempt at extortion immediately raised red flags for the cyber crime unit.
Police Response and Legal Action
Following a swift assessment, the police determined the threat to be a hoax. However, given the severe nature of the communication and its potential to cause public panic, authorities took immediate legal action. An FIR (First Information Report) has been registered against an unknown sender at the cyber crime police station.
The case has been filed under Section 66F of the Information Technology Act, a stringent provision that deals specifically with the offence of cyber terrorism. This section is invoked when a person accesses or attempts to access a computer resource with intent to threaten the unity, integrity, security, or sovereignty of India.
Ongoing Investigation and Tracing Efforts
The investigation is currently in progress, with cyber crime sleuths working meticulously to trace the origin of the email and identify the individual behind the pseudonym "Mohit Kumar". The process involves tracking the digital footprint of the Gmail account and analyzing the metadata of the email.
While the threat was deemed non-credible, security at the mentioned locations—Kempegowda International Airport and the listed malls—was briefly reviewed as a standard precautionary measure. The police have reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm and that such hoaxes are taken extremely seriously due to their disruptive nature.
This incident highlights the growing challenge of cyber-enabled threats and the misuse of digital platforms to create fear and disrupt public order. The Bengaluru police's prompt registration of an FIR under the cyber terrorism clause underscores the legal seriousness with which such acts are viewed.
