In a concerning development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and several cabinet ministers have received a threatening email from an individual named Shahid Khan. The email, sent from the address Shahidkhan10786@protonmail.com, warns of a large explosion set to occur in Bengaluru at 2:48 pm on Saturday.
According to reports by ANI, the email explicitly states that if a ransom of $2.5 million dollars, equivalent to approximately ₹20 crore, is not provided, multiple explosions will target busy areas such as restaurants, temples, buses, and trains across Karnataka. The sender also threatens to escalate their demands on social media platforms, promising to upload screenshots of the email and reveal details of subsequent attacks.
The alarming threat comes in the wake of an improvised explosive device (IED) blast at Rameshwaram Cafe, a popular eatery in Bengaluru, on March 1. The blast resulted in injuries to at least 10 individuals, who are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals. In response to the incident, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation, exploring various angles including the possibility of involvement by extremist elements.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expressed uncertainty regarding the credibility of the threat, emphasizing that authorities are actively investigating the matter. Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara urged cooperation from all quarters and urged against politicizing the issue, emphasizing the need for a united front in addressing the security concerns.
The Bengaluru Police have registered a case under stringent laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act in connection with the cafe explosion. Multiple investigative teams have been deployed to examine CCTV footage and explore all possible leads, including potential motives behind the attack.
As the authorities remain vigilant and conduct thorough investigations, residents of Bengaluru are urged to remain cautious and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. The safety and security of citizens remain paramount as efforts continue to ensure the protection of public spaces from potential threats.
Sources By Agencies