Kolkata faced a wave of hoax bomb threats, including one directed at Raj Bhavan, via email on Tuesday, raising concerns about security ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s scheduled visit to the state on May 2. Along with Raj Bhavan, Nabanna, the secretariat of the West Bengal government, also received similar threats, hinting at potential sabotage at certain locations.
Response by Authorities
Given the gravity of the situation, law enforcement authorities refrained from taking any chances and initiated efforts to trace the source of the threatening emails. While the detective department of Lalbazar began an investigation, officials remained tight-lipped about the developments, refusing to confirm or deny the reports.
Ongoing Investigations
The police, upon receiving the emails, immediately commenced investigations, focusing on identifying the origin of the emails and scrutinizing IP addresses associated with them. Similar incidents have occurred in the recent past, including bomb threat emails received by Dum Dum airport and several schools in Kolkata. However, subsequent investigations revealed them to be false alarms.
Widening Scope of Threats
The hoax bomb threats extended beyond Kolkata, with emails also targeting the secretary of the President and various government offices. Similar emails have been reported in Bihar and Delhi, prompting law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
Initial Assessment
While investigations are ongoing, preliminary findings from Lalbazar suggest that the emails may be fabricated, adding weight to suspicions of their dubious nature.
Conclusion
The spate of hoax bomb threats targeting prominent landmarks in Kolkata, including Raj Bhavan and Nabanna, underscores the need for heightened security measures, particularly in anticipation of high-profile visits. Authorities remain vigilant, actively pursuing leads to identify and apprehend those responsible for perpetrating such threats to public safety and security.
