Bengaluru has recorded the highest number of hoax bomb threat cases in Karnataka, with 318 incidents registered over the last seven years, according to police data.
Across the state, authorities have registered 468 fake bomb threat cases during this period, highlighting a growing burden on law enforcement agencies and emergency response teams.
Police face mounting pressure
Officials said every threat call or email must be treated as genuine until thoroughly verified, leading to large-scale security operations, evacuations, bomb disposal squad deployment, and panic among the public.
Investigations have revealed that offenders often target sensitive locations such as schools, colleges, courts, religious places, railway stations, airports, hospitals, luxury hotels, embassies, and roads frequently used by VVIPs.
Political rallies and public programmes attended by senior leaders, including the Prime Minister, have also reportedly received threats in recent years.
Sharp rise in Bengaluru cases
Police data showed a steep increase in hoax bomb threats in Bengaluru over the past few years. The city recorded just two cases in 2021 and eight in 2022. However, the number surged to 144 cases in 2023.
Authorities registered 59 cases in 2024, 86 in 2025, and 19 cases so far in 2026.
After Bengaluru, Mangaluru reported the second-highest number of such incidents, followed by Mysuru.
VPNs and encrypted apps complicate probes
Police officials said tracing suspects has become increasingly difficult as many offenders use VPNs, encrypted applications, and foreign servers to conceal their identities.
Authorities believe motives range from personal frustration and revenge to thrill-seeking behaviour and institutional anger.
Despite the large number of cases, only 14 accused persons have been arrested statewide since 2020, while just two convictions have been secured — both in Dakshina Kannada district.
Police have warned that spreading false bomb threats is a serious criminal offence and appealed to the public not to treat such acts lightl#Bengaluru #BombThreat #KarnatakaPolice #Crime #PublicSafety #newskarnataka