Bengaluru: Late last night, Bengaluru city police received alarming information about a threat to Raj Bhavan, the iconic residence of the Karnataka state governor. However, what seemed like a serious security hazard turned out to be nothing but a wasted hoax with ulterior motives.
According to sources privy to the investigation, around midnight, the control room of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) received an ominous phone call from an unknown number. The unidentified caller claimed in broken Hindi that a sophisticated bomb had been planted within the sprawling grounds of Raj Bhavan and was set to detonate at any moment.
Taking no chances, NIA staff immediately alerted the Bengaluru police control room about the potential threat. Top brass swung into action, launching an exhaustive combing operation involving specialized bomb disposal squads and well-trained sniffer dogs.
For over two hours, the 200-strong team diligently scoured every inch of the property, with the bomb squad meticulously scanning the area using high-resolution thermal cameras and ultrasonic sweepers. At the same time, canines were deployed to detect even the faintest scent of explosives amidst thick foliage and hidden nooks.
However, despite their best efforts and state-of-the-art technology, not a shred of evidence could be uncovered to validate the alarming claim. By 2 AM, officers finally declared the scene secure and bomb threat a mere hoax.
While officials expressed relief that no real danger prevailed, police sources say the frivolous alert only underscores prevailing security vulnerabilities. With VVIPs frequently present and high-profile diplomatic meetings often held, any breach at Raj Bhavan could spell serious consequences.
Senior inspector Shekhar Tkannavar has appealed to the public for helpful leads to catch the perpetrators. “We urge citizens to be vigilant and inform us immediately about any suspicious activities. Harboring threats will not be tolerated,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, a manhunt is now underway to trace the hoax caller. Digital forensics experts are poring over call data records and tower locations for clues. Police say the miscreants will face severe punishment under law if caught.
The incident has kicked up a storm of debate on bolstering protective measures. With terror threats increasingly going digital, experts stress on augmenting cyber defenses as well. Only coordinated multi-agency cooperation can thwart future risks, many feel.
For now, a pall of uncertainty looms over Raj Bhavan with such vicious hoaxes challenging the very fabric of safety. Only time will tell how authorities can plug security gaps and restore shattered sense of trust.
