On December 26, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and two prominent private sector banks, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, received threatening emails claiming that bombs had been planted at multiple locations in Mumbai. The emails demanded the immediate resignation of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, alleging their involvement in a significant financial scam.
Details of the Threat
The threatening email, sent from the address khilafat.india@gmail.com, was received by the RBI Governor’s official email account around 10:50 a.m. The message claimed that 11 bombs had been planted across various locations in Mumbai, specifically mentioning:
- RBI New Central Office Building, Fort
- HDFC House, Churchgate
- ICICI Bank Towers, Bandra-Kurla Complex
The email warned that explosions would occur at these sites at 1:30 p.m. if the demanded resignations were not tendered.
Immediate Response by Authorities
Upon receiving the threat, Mumbai Police promptly initiated searches at the specified locations. Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS) were deployed to conduct thorough inspections. After extensive searches, no suspicious objects were found at any of the sites. A senior police official confirmed that a case has been registered against unidentified individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those pertaining to making false alarms and criminal intimidation.
Context of Recent Threats
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of bomb threats targeting significant institutions in India. Earlier in December 2023, the RBI and the same two banks received similar threats demanding the resignations of top officials, which also turned out to be hoaxes.
Additionally, in November 2024, the RBI helpline received a bomb threat from an individual claiming to be the “CEO of Lashkar-e-Taiba,” further highlighting the recurring nature of such threats.
Ongoing Investigation
Mumbai Police have intensified efforts to trace the origin of the threatening email. Cybercrime units are involved in tracking the digital footprint of the sender, and security measures have been heightened across all mentioned locations to ensure public safety. Authorities are also exploring potential links between this threat and previous hoax threats to determine if there is a coordinated effort to disrupt public order.
Public Reassurance
Despite the alarming nature of the threats, authorities have assured the public that there is no immediate danger. Mumbai Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities but have also emphasized that the situation is under control. The swift response and thorough investigations underscore the commitment of law enforcement agencies to maintaining public safety and addressing such threats with the seriousness they warrant.
Conclusion
The recent bomb threats against the RBI and major banks in Mumbai have raised concerns about the security of financial institutions. While these threats have so far been unsubstantiated, they highlight the need for continued vigilance and robust security protocols. The ongoing investigation aims to identify and apprehend those responsible, reinforcing the message that such actions will not be tolerated and will be met with decisive legal consequences.
