Mumbai: Tension gripped India's financial capital on Tuesday after the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) received a chilling bomb threat via email, prompting an immediate and high-level security response. The threatening message claimed that four RDX-based IEDs had been placed in the iconic tower building, timed to detonate precisely at 3 PM IST. The email was sent from an ID using the name “Comrade Pinarayi Vijayan”, falsely invoking the identity of Kerala's Chief Minister.
The Mumbai Police were swiftly alerted. Within minutes, bomb detection and disposal squads, police forces, and canine units arrived at the BSE complex on Dalal Street. The area was cordoned off as teams thoroughly combed the premises for any suspicious materials. Following an intense investigation, authorities confirmed that no explosives were found ruling the threat as a serious hoax.
In connection with the incident, the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Marg Police Station has registered a case against an unidentified individual under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 351(1)(b), 353(2), 351(3), and 351(4). A full-fledged investigation is now underway to trace the source and intent behind the threatening email. Cyber forensic teams are analyzing email headers and digital footprints in pursuit of the perpetrator.
Interestingly, the BSE threat was not an isolated case. On the same day, two prominent institutions in Delhi St. Thomas School and St. Stephen’s College also received bomb threats via email early in the morning. In response, the buildings were immediately evacuated, and a full security protocol was activated.
Personnel from the Delhi Police Bomb Squad, Dog Squad, Fire Brigade, and Special Staff arrived at the respective locations and conducted thorough sweeps of the premises. No suspicious objects or threats were found at either institution. Authorities believe the three threats, occurring in different cities on the same day, may be connected or inspired by a common motive though official confirmation is pending.
The series of email threats targeting educational and financial institutions has alarmed security agencies, particularly due to the use of impersonation and deliberate psychological manipulation. The misuse of the Kerala CM’s name in the BSE threat suggests a potential attempt to stir political confusion or public unrest.
Although the threats have so far proven baseless, law enforcement officials are not taking them lightly. Cybercrime units are on high alert, and discussions are ongoing regarding a more robust framework to detect and deter such digital mischief, especially as hoax threats continue to cause real-world disruption and drain emergency resources.
Authorities have emphasized that spreading false information about explosives is a serious offense, punishable under both criminal and cyber laws. The investigation into the origin of Tuesday’s threats in both Mumbai and Delhi is ongoing, with leads currently being traced across multiple digital platforms.
Meanwhile, normal operations have resumed at the BSE and both Delhi institutions. However, security has been tightened, and public alerts have been issued urging citizens and staff to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.