Bomb threat to Kerala CM’s residence, pvt bank turns out hoax

Thiruvananthapuram: When Kerala gears up for the two-phase local body elections, panic gripped the capital after Cliff House, the official residence of the Chief Minister, and a private bank received bomb threats.

According to police, inspections were carried out at the CM’s residence after his private secretary received an email containing a bomb threat.

Police said a similar email was sent to Punjab National Bank at Palayam.

“Checks were carried out at both locations,” a police official said.

A dog squad and a bomb detection team were deployed. Later, officials confirmed that the threat was a hoax, though police have registered a case and launched an investigation.

Police officials said similar emails claiming explosives at the CM’s residence have been received multiple times in the past. In all these instances, the sender referred to political developments in Tamil Nadu and cases registered there.

An official said the emails were sent using dark-web applications, making it difficult to trace the sender. However, as a precaution, checks are conducted each time such emails are received, the official added.