Police conducted a thorough search of the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office in Hassan city on Monday night following a bomb threat email that caused immediate concern among officials.
The email claimed that bombs had been planted at five locations, including the DC’s office. On receiving the message, Deputy Commissioner K S Lathakumari directed officials to take a printout of the email and register a First Information Report (FIR) without delay.
Dog squad and bomb disposal team deployed
Acting swiftly on the threat, a dog squad and bomb disposal squad were rushed to the DC’s office. The operation was led by Hassan Deputy Superintendent of Police Gangadharappa.
Police teams conducted a detailed inspection of the premises to rule out any possible danger. Security was tightened in and around the office complex during the search operation.
Meeting continues amid security check
At the time the threat was received and the search was carried out, DC K S Lathakumari was chairing an official meeting inside the building. In a rare and tense moment, police inspected the hall even as the meeting was in progress, ensuring the safety of all present.
Officials said the search was conducted calmly and systematically to avoid panic, while maintaining necessary security protocols.
No suspicious objects found
Preliminary checks did not reveal any suspicious objects or explosives. Police sources indicated that further investigation is under way to trace the origin of the email and identify those responsible for sending the threat.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of the email being a hoax, but stressed that all such threats are treated with utmost seriousness in the interest of public safety.
Police urge caution, warn against hoaxes
Senior police officials reiterated that issuing bomb threats is a serious offence and warned of strict legal action against those found misusing digital platforms to create fear or disrupt public institutions.
Similar threat emails have been reported at government offices in Karnataka in recent months, most of which were later declared hoaxes after detailed checks.