A string of bomb threats targeting prominent figures in Chennai has triggered heightened security and public concern. The latest incident involved music composer Ilaiyaraaja, whose T Nagar studio received a bomb threat email on Tuesday.

According to The Hindu, an anonymous email sent to both the composer and the Director General of Police (DGP) claimed that an explosive had been planted at his studio.

Police teams, including the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), swiftly arrived and conducted an exhaustive search. The threat turned out to be a hoax, officials confirmed.

Investigators said the email—sent from a Hotmail account—bore similarities to those used in earlier threats against other celebrities and politicians in Chennai. The Cyber Crime Wing and City Police have launched a probe to trace the sender.

Earlier this month, actors Trisha Krishnan and Shekher received similar bomb threat emails.

On October 9, a 37-year-old man named Shabik was arrested for calling the police control room claiming that a bomb had been planted at actor and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s Neelankarai residence.

After a four-hour search, that alert too was found to be false.

Top political leaders—including Chief Minister MK Stalin, Governor RN Ravi, Naam Tamilar Katchi chief Seeman, AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, and the Raj Bhavan and BJP office in T Nagar—have also received similar hoax threats off late. 

Police said they are taking all threats seriously while working to identify the source behind the coordinated scare campaign.