India's Central banks receives bomb threat in Russian, police probe launched

Authorities are examining hoax bomb threats made to schools and Reserve Bank of India in recent weeks.

Listen to article

Police in India's financial capital Mumbai said on Friday that they were investigating a bomb threat to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) after it received an email in Russian warning of an explosive attack.

The warning was sent to the official email address of newly appointed RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, a senior Mumbai police officer said.

"We have registered a case, and the investigation is ongoing," the officer said.Schools, railway stations, airports and airlines in India have been subject this year to hundreds of bomb threats that have turned out to be hoaxes.

Earlier this week, at least 40 schools in India's capital New Delhi received bomb threats via email on Monday, with the sender demanding a payment of $30,000, according to Indian media reports.

In response to the threats, police officials have initiated searches at the affected school premises, although no bombs have been found so far.

The emails threatened to detonate explosives unless the specified ransom was paid. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the threats are genuine or part of a hoax.

The bomb threats come amid a troubling increase in similar incidents across India in recent months, including hoaxes targeting schools, airports, and railway stations.

In light of the threats, parents were seen picking up their children from schools as a precautionary measure.

The Delhi Police are working to trace the origin of the emails and identify those responsible for the threats.

The Chief Minister of Delhi, Atishi, has criticized the federal government for failing to ensure the safety of residents in the capital, particularly in light of ongoing security concerns.

However, the federally appointed Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has yet to comment on the situation.

Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities have reassured the public that safety measures are being taken to protect students and staff.