On January 9, Bengaluru police control room received an alarming call from a 40-year-old grocer-turned-scrap trader, claiming his six friends were planning bomb attacks on Republic Day. Upon investigation, it was revealed to be a hoax, aimed at framing his friends, whom he blamed for his business failures. The caller was arrested, marking the first such incident in 2025, as per police records.
Karnataka police dealt with 27 hoax bomb threats in 2024 and 26 in 2023. Common targets include airports, schools, hotels, and railway stations. While many threats are pranks, last week’s case of personal revenge is unusual. Airports often face such calls, with cases involving passengers delaying flights for personal reasons. In one instance, a woman falsely claimed her boyfriend had a bomb to prevent his flight from taking off.
From 2018, police have secured only four convictions for hoax bomb cases, despite most being charge-sheeted. These include cases of mischief, frustration, and deliberate malice. Police cite criminal intimidation (BNS Section 351) and public mischief (BNS Section 353) to prosecute offenders, carrying penalties of up to three years in jail and fines.
Experts suggest pranksters often suffer from personal turmoil or psychological issues, requiring both punishment and counseling to prevent recurrence. Bengaluru police emphasize vigilance, especially against emails originating from abroad, which pose technical challenges.
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