The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Mangaluru was thrust into a security scare on Monday after officials received a bomb threat via email. The alarming message, which turned out to be a hoax, prompted an immediate response from the city's police and bomb disposal teams.
Details of the Threatening Email
According to the official complaint filed with the Mangaluru South police, the senior RTO and in-charge deputy transport commissioner, Murugendra B Shirolkar, stated that the threatening email arrived in the office's inbox at 1.19 am. The email was reportedly read by officials later at 12.05 pm. The content of the mail was highly specific and provocative.
It falsely claimed that "The Pakistan ISI cells in Tamil Nadu division has teamed up with Ex-LTTE cadres to carry out this remote blast operation at RTO Office." The sender further asserted that explosive devices had been placed at five different locations within the RTO office premises, aiming to create maximum panic.
Police Response and Investigation
Acting swiftly on the formal complaint, the Mangaluru City police mobilized its specialized units. A team from the bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) immediately rushed to the scene. They conducted a meticulous and thorough check of the entire RTO office complex.
After a comprehensive sweep, the squad declared the area all clear, confirming that no suspicious items or explosives were found. The threat was officially classified as a hoax intended to disrupt public services and create fear.
Case Registered and Official Statement
The Mangaluru South police station has registered a formal case based on the complaint. City police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH confirmed the sequence of events and the ongoing investigation. The police are now working to trace the origin of the email, a process that involves cybercrime experts to identify the sender and their motives.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by public offices in dealing with cyber-enabled threats designed to cause social disruption. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any genuinely suspicious activity immediately.
