Republic day bomb threat in Bengaluru: Police nabs suspect behind hoax calls

Bengaluru: A 40-year-old man has been arrested in connection with bomb threat calls made to Bengaluru's Police Control Room, sparking heightened security measures ahead of Republic Day. The accused, identified as Mansoor, was taken into custody by Vidhana Soudha police on January 11, after allegedly making threatening calls on January 9. Central DCP Shekhar H Tekkanavar confirmed the arrest and detailed the events that led to the heightened alert in the city.

Details of the threats

Mansoor, according to officials, called the Bangalore City Police Commissioner's office, stating that explosives were being prepared to target six prominent individuals' residences in Bengaluru on Republic Day. He also referred to the infamous Rameshwaram Cafe blast to amplify the gravity of his claims.

Mansoor, owner of a provision shop in Shivajinagar, had incurred losses as his shop was closed since the property was sold by the building owner. Anger and frustration drove him to make a hoax call on January 9, naming a few people and providing their phone numbers as targets for bombing.

Vigilant police keep everyone safe

Two days after the threatening call, Mansoor was caught and arrested by the authorities who tracked him. Investigations found that Mansoor had no link to any organized group, and the threats were individualistic and more of a result of personal vendetta rather than a larger conspiracy. After questioning, he was produced before the ACMM court and sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

Security gears increased at Bengaluru

Police agencies have put additional security measures across the city after bomb threats were reported. Names and addresses of people allegedly targeted by Mansoor's hoax call are shared with authorities concerned for safety.

The recent hoax call by Mansoor highlighted the need for vigilance during the preparation for Republic Day. Law enforcement has to work out a plan for the event, so there would be no untoward incident or breach of peace in public places.