Taj Mahal hoax bomb threat email traced to Kerala, sparks security scare

Agra: A high alert was declared at the Taj Mahal on Saturday morning after the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department received a bomb threat via email, allegedly sent from Kerala.

The email warned that the Taj Mahal would be blown up with RDX by 3:30 PM. The threat was also addressed to the Delhi Police, prompting an immediate multi-agency response.

Security forces, including the CISF, launched a thorough three-hour search of the monument. No suspicious materials were found during the operation.

According to an ETV Bharat report, Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Sonam Kumar confirmed that the email was a hoax originating from Kerala, and a case has been registered with the Cyber Cell to identify the sender.

Last week, Mumbai Police received an email threatening to blow up the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in the city and the Hotel Taj Mahal Palace with a bomb, but it turned out to be a hoax.

The email was received at the email address of the Airport Police Station. A thorough search was conducted at the airport as well as the luxury hotel located in suburban Santacruz, but nothing suspicious was found, the police official said.

"Urgent: 7 RDX IEDs at TAJ Hotel/Airport, Evacuate All Public/Staffs Soon! The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport will fall victim to a devastating pipe bomb blast. This act commemorates the unjust hanging of Afzal Guru and Savukku Shankar!", the email read.