Two branches of a private bank in Kochi city were thrown into a state of high alert on Monday after they received hoax bomb threats via email. The threats, which were made in the name of a banned extremist outfit, triggered a swift and comprehensive response from the local police and security agencies.
Threat Mails Target Pallimukku and Mamangalam Branches
The unsettling communications landed in the official email inboxes of City Union Bank branches located at Pallimukku and Mamangalam in the city on Monday morning. According to sources, the threat mails were sent from a Hotmail account. The messages warned that explosions would occur by noon and chillingly claimed that ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound often used in explosives, had been stored at multiple locations within the bank premises.
The threats were issued under the banner of the CPI (Maoist), a banned left-wing extremist group. This claim immediately raised the seriousness of the alert, prompting authorities to treat the situation with utmost urgency.
Swift Police Action and Security Sweep
Upon being alerted by the bank officials, the Kochi City Police sprang into action. A full-scale security protocol was activated. The police swiftly deployed their specialized teams to the two locations. This included the bomb disposal squad and the dog squad, trained to sniff out explosives and suspicious materials.
The teams conducted thorough inspections of the bank premises, leaving no stone unturned in their search for any dangerous or suspicious objects. However, after an exhaustive sweep, the police sources confirmed that no suspicious items were found at either branch. The threats were conclusively deemed a hoax, designed to create panic and disrupt normalcy.
Investigation Launched to Trace Perpetrators
Even though no explosives were found, the incident is being treated as a serious criminal offence. The City Police have initiated a detailed investigation to trace the origin of the threatening emails and identify the individuals behind this act of intimidation.
Investigators are working closely with network providers and cyber experts to track the digital footprint of the emails. The use of a free webmail service like Hotmail presents a challenge, but authorities are probing all possible angles to uncover the source. Such hoax threats not only waste valuable security resources but also cause unnecessary fear among the public and bank customers.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for institutions to maintain robust cybersecurity protocols and have clear procedures for handling such threats. The police have likely advised banks and other sensitive establishments to remain vigilant and report any suspicious communication immediately.
