Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
Journalism of Courage
Premium
As bomb threats surge, Delhi Police’s specialised unit to probe emails
The surge in such hoax threats prompted the need for a centralised and technically-equipped system to track and analyse such emails, according to officers.
elhi Police has launched a dedicated Bomb Threat (E-mail) Investigation Cell to tackle the surge in fake alerts.
In a move aimed at strengthening the response to a surge in bomb threats, the Delhi Police has constituted a dedicated Bomb Threat (E-mail) Investigation Cell at its headquarters, The Indian Express has learnt. The move comes in the wake of an increasing number of hoax threats — targeting schools, hospitals, courts, and even the Indira Gandhi International Airport — received via emails over the last year in the Capital.
The surge in such hoax threats prompted the need for a centralised and technically-equipped system to track and analyse such emails, according to officers. The newly-formed unit will act as the central repository for all such emails received from across the city. It will maintain a consolidated database, associated technical data and records of FIRs registered in such cases, said officers.
According to an official order issued by the Police Headquarters on Jai Singh Road, the specialised unit will operate under the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) wing and function from Tower-II. Set up under the supervision of ACP Pawan Kumar, the unit will be staffed by a small team, including an Inspector, an Assistant Sub-Inspector, and a Constable, said officers.
The order, signed by Anyesh Roy, Deputy Commissioner of Police-II, IFSO, has come into effect immediately, signalling a coordinated and technology-driven approach by Delhi Police to tackle emerging threats in the digital domain.
Investigations in several such cases, as previously reported by The Indian Express, revealed the use of VPNs and spoofed identities, making it difficult for local police units to trace the origin swiftly. The volume and pattern of these threats did not only trigger large-scale security responses and evacuations but also strained policing resources.
Officials had earlier indicated the need for a specialised, technology-driven unit to centralise intelligence, streamline analysis, and improve response time leading to the creation of the new dedicated cell.
The new specialised unit has been tasked with conducting detailed technical and analytical examinations of all such threats. This includes assessing the credibility, identifying patterns, and tracing the origin of emails.
Story continues below this ad
Investigators will coordinate closely with other district units and agencies to ensure data preservation and prompt investigation.
In addition, all district police units have been directed to immediately report any bomb threat communication, along with details of FIRs, if registered to the specialised cell. While the central unit will handle analysis and coordination, the operational response on the ground will continue to be managed by the respective district or unit as per established protocols, said officers.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Advertisement
Live Blog