CCB Begins Probe into Hoax Bomb Threat Emails, Consults Intelligence Units

Fast Summary:

• the Central Crime Branch (CCB) has taken over the examination into recent hoax bomb threat emails sent to 43 schools in Bengaluru.
• Initial threats affected 41 schools on July 18, prompting evacuations, followed by similar threats to two more schools four days later. All threats proved false.
• Intelligence Bureau (IB), Internal Security Division (ISD), and Anti-terrorism Squad/Unit (ATS) held a meeting with CCB officials on strategies to tackle the case.
• Investigators have requested information from the email service provider and noted that the suspect used a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to hide their identity.
• A senior officer indicated optimism about getting leads but cautioned against fully relying on service providers due to past inefficacy in other cases of cybercrime involving VPN usage.
• Previous data shows limited success: fewer than 10 out of 53 hoax email cases solved in 2023 and an ongoing challenge with international response mechanisms like Interpol or MLAT.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The escalation of cyber-based hoax bomb threats demands stronger investigative capabilities for law enforcement agencies like Karnataka’s CCB. While collaboration among intelligence units demonstrates proactive efforts, challenges such as tracking VPN users or gaining timely responses from international entities highlight systemic roadblocks. This could raise concerns regarding India’s preparedness for cyberterrorism and its reliance on external cooperation channels like MLAT and interpol.

The recurring nature of such hoaxes emphasizes the importance of enhancing technological expertise within state police departments while simultaneously reviewing procedures for expediting coordination with global stakeholders. Public safety remains paramount, especially when targeting educational institutions; resolving these cases efficiently is crucial for maintaining trust in authorities’ ability to manage emerging security risks effectively.

Read more: Published – July 24, 2025, by The Hindu