Ex-Waiter's False Bomb Blast Allegation Triggers Major Security Operation in Pune
A former waiter from a Pune eatery, who was dismissed from his job several months ago, triggered a massive and ultimately fruitless multi-agency security operation on Sunday afternoon by making a false bomb blast allegation to the Delhi police control room. The incident, which occurred around 3 PM, saw teams from the Delhi Police, Pune Police, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) scrambling to investigate the fabricated claim, only to find no evidence of any threat.
False Tip Leads to Wild Goose Chase
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Nikhil Pingale, the ex-waiter, who is currently based in Delhi and described as mentally disturbed, called the Delhi PCR and falsely implicated his former employer from Pune's Budhwar Peth area. The caller alleged that the eatery owner was involved in the Delhi bomb blast case of November 10, 2025, and claimed that the entire incident was plotted by terror suspects at the owner's residence. He further asserted that a large quantity of RDX, a high-explosive material, was stored at the owner's house, providing the residential address to authorities.
In response to this alarming tip, officials from Pune Police, Delhi Police, and the NIA immediately mobilized. A crime branch team conducted thorough searches at both the eatery and the owner's residence. However, no suspicious items or evidence were uncovered during the investigations, confirming the call as a hoax.
Motivation Behind the False Allegation
The investigation quickly revealed the motive behind the false report. Delhi police teams visited the ex-waiter's house and discovered that he had been harboring resentment since being removed from his job at the Pune eatery. This grudge, combined with his mental health issues, led him to fabricate the serious allegations in an attempt to cause trouble for his former employer.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar stated, "The waiter is based in Delhi currently and is mentally disturbed." DCP Pingale added, "Delhi police spoke to the waiter and found out he was mentally disturbed," highlighting the personal and psychological factors that drove the incident.
Impact and Aftermath
The false tip resulted in a significant waste of resources and manpower, as multiple law enforcement agencies were diverted from other duties to respond to the non-existent threat. This incident underscores the challenges authorities face in distinguishing genuine threats from hoaxes, especially when mental health issues are involved.
While no arrests have been reported in connection with the false call, the case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of making baseless security allegations. It also raises questions about the need for better mental health support and monitoring to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
