False Bomb Threats Reported in Thrissur and Palakkad, Kerala
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On April 16, Kerala faced two false bomb threats targeting the Thrissur Collectorate and the Palakkad RDO office, aimed at Tamil Nadu's opposition leader. Quick responses from local authorities ensured safety and revealed the threats as hoaxes.
Key Takeaways
- Two bomb threats were reported in Kerala.
- RDX was falsely claimed to be planted at both locations.
- Authorities quickly searched and found no explosives.
- Increase in hoax threats observed in recent weeks.
- Kerala Police have heightened investigative and patrol efforts.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 16 (NationPress) On Wednesday, two bomb threats were reported in Kerala -- one at the Thrissur Collectorate and another at the office of the Revenue Divisional Officer in Palakkad.
The threats, which were conveyed through an email, claimed that RDX had been placed in both locations targeting Edappadi Palaniswami, the Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu.
The email sent from rana_tahawur@hotmail.com arrived at approximately 4:30 a.m. in Thrissur.
Upon receiving the threat, Thrissur District Collector Arjun Pandian initiated a search operation involving anti-bomb squads and dog units.
The Collectorate was secured with barricades, and after thorough inspections, no explosives were found.
Similarly, security agencies acted swiftly at the RDO office in Palakkad, and the area was cleared following their search.
Recently, there has been a rise in hoax threats. In the previous month, similar threats were reported at the Collectorate in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, and Wayanad, all of which were deemed to be hoaxes after prompt investigations.
Notably, eight of the fourteen districts in Kerala share a border with Tamil Nadu. Apart from Wayanad, four district headquarters along the border have received bomb threats.
In response, the Kerala Police have escalated their investigation efforts since the arrival of these threat letters at district collectorates.
Additionally, police patrols have increased, particularly in the hilly areas of Idukki, where there is a significant Tamil population working in tea estates.
The two major political factions in Tamil Nadu -- the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK -- also have a considerable supporter base in Idukki.
