Are Hoax Bomb Threats a Daily Nuisance in Chennai?
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Synopsis
Hoax bomb threats are plaguing Chennai, targeting public places and prominent figures. With over 60 FIRs since January, police struggle to trace the culprits due to sophisticated technology like VPNs. This ongoing issue reveals the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety amidst increasing cybercrime.
Key Takeaways
- Hoax bomb threats are a growing issue in Chennai.
- Over 60 FIRs have been registered since the start of 2023.
- The use of VPNs complicates tracking down offenders.
- High-profile locations are frequent targets.
- Police are under considerable strain due to the volume of threats.
Chennai, Oct 9 (NationPress) False bomb threats dispatched via email to public venues, influential government offices, and the residences of notable politicians and film stars have become a daily disruption in Chennai.
Last week alone, authorities dealt with at least nine of these threats over three consecutive days, keeping the police in a constant state of vigilance.
As stated by officials, this issue has persisted for almost two years, with more than 60 FIRs lodged since the beginning of 2023. In some instances, multiple threats received on the same day have been combined into a single investigation.
Despite ongoing probes, the Tamil Nadu Police have yet to make significant progress in pinpointing the offenders.
Sources indicate that the perpetrators' use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to route emails complicates efforts to trace their origins. Although these are categorized as cybercrime, they are frequently referred to the State Police’s anti-terrorism unit due to the nature of the threats.
A pattern has emerged wherein emails are sent under the guise of a celebrity or politician to the Director General of Police’s office, alerting that an explosive has been placed in a key area.
Some emails have been directed straight to the targeted locations, like the message received by a temple management in Mylapore last July.
High-profile targets include the residences of the Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the State Secretariat, Raj Bhavan, BJP's State headquarters, and various places of worship.
Each incident necessitates thorough inspections by bomb squads and local police before confirming that the threats are mere hoaxes. On days with multiple threats, the burden on the squads is particularly heavy.
Recent months have also seen film personalities targeted, with actor S. Ve. Shekher's residence receiving several similar threats.
“Almost all senders employ privacy-focused browsers and multiple VPN layers to conceal their actual IP addresses. By the time we trace them, we only reach bogus addresses,” remarked a senior police officer.
He further noted that limited cooperation from international law enforcement, especially in the U.S. where most VPN providers and encrypted email services operate, has hindered investigators' progress.
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Point of View
The surge in hoax bomb threats in Chennai represents a serious challenge to public safety and police efficiency. The use of VPNs complicates investigations, necessitating a collaborative approach between local and international law enforcement. It is imperative that authorities strengthen their capabilities to combat this growing trend and ensure community safety.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recent trends in hoax bomb threats in Chennai?
Recent trends show an alarming rise in hoax bomb threats sent to public locations and high-profile individuals in Chennai, with police reporting over 60 FIRs since 2023.
How do VPNs complicate the investigation of bomb threats?
VPNs allow offenders to obscure their real IP addresses, making it challenging for authorities to trace the origins of the threats effectively.
What measures are being taken by the police in response to these threats?
The Tamil Nadu Police are deploying bomb squads and conducting thorough checks to confirm the authenticity of threats, while also seeking collaboration with international law enforcement.
