Bengaluru DRDO Lab Targeted by Anonymous Bomb Threat Email
In a concerning incident, the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a key laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) located in CV Raman Nagar, Bengaluru, received an anonymous email threatening a bomb attack on March 5. The premises were thoroughly searched by authorities, and the threat was ultimately declared a hoax, with no explosives found. GTRE is a critical facility specializing in the design, development, and testing of advanced gas-turbine engines for military aircraft and marine applications, making this threat particularly alarming.
Details of the Threatening Email and Police Response
According to a complaint filed by Lt Col Sunny Rathee, the divisional head at GTRE, the threat email was received around 4:25 AM on March 5. It was sent from the email address 'ajitham_kudumba@outlook.com' to the official GTRE email 'director.gtre@gov.in'. The message claimed that 14 Explosively Formed Projectile (EXP) IEDs filled with cyanide gas had been planted inside the GTRE premises. It warned that a potential blast could cause damage within a 1.75-kilometer radius and urged authorities to evacuate all staff by 11 AM to avoid casualties, alleging that drones were used to plant the devices.
The email also contained references to extremist groups and individuals, along with several unverified claims. For instance, it mentioned historical events related to the Pakistan Air Force and made allegations involving political figures and organizations, such as the LTTE-Pak ISI nexus and references to Dr Ezhilan Naganathan. However, the email did not elaborate on what 'TOSIS' stood for, leaving many aspects of the threat unclear and unsubstantiated.
Investigation and Declaration as a Hoax
Following the receipt of the threatening email, the complainant promptly approached the police, who initiated an inquiry to trace the origin of the email and verify the threat. A senior police officer stated that the threat was a hoax and part of a larger attempt to create panic. The email was noticed a few hours after it was sent, leading to immediate action.
The bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) was deployed, and all staff were evacuated from the premises as a precautionary measure. After a comprehensive search, no explosives were found, confirming the threat as a hoax. In response, a case has been registered under Section 66F of the Information Technology Act, which deals with punishment for cyber terrorism, at the Byappanahalli police station. This legal action underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating such cyber threats, even when they are determined to be false alarms.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in cybersecurity and the need for vigilance in protecting critical defense installations from potential threats, whether real or fabricated.
