Karnataka recorded 468 fake bomb threat calls in the past five years, with Bengaluru accounting for the majority. Despite widespread panic and heavy police deployment, only 14 arrests have been made and just two convictions secured so far.
Karnataka has witnessed a worrying rise in hoax bomb threats over the past five years, creating widespread panic and placing a significant burden on law enforcement agencies. Despite the seriousness of these incidents, action against the culprits has been limited. In the last 5.3 years alone, as many as 468 fake bomb threats have been reported across the state, yet only a handful of those responsible have been arrested.
Pranksters have been spreading fear by making calls or sending emails claiming that bombs have been planted in schools, colleges, courts, hotels, temples, railway stations, airports, and even embassy offices. These threats have become a major concern for both the public and the police.
A Joke for Some, a Nightmare for Others
While mischief-makers may treat such acts as a source of amusement, the consequences are far from trivial. As soon as a bomb threat is reported, police teams, including the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, anti-sabotage units, and dog squads, are immediately deployed to the location. Only after a thorough search confirms the absence of explosives do authorities declare it a hoax.
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In the meantime, panic spreads rapidly. Parents rush to schools to ensure the safety of their children, and normal life is disrupted. A single fake call can trigger large-scale anxiety and chaos.
Bengaluru, Emerges as the Hotspot
Out of the 468 cases recorded across Karnataka in the last 5.3 years, Bengaluru alone accounts for a staggering 318 incidents. The yearly breakdown shows a sharp rise in recent years: 2 cases in 2021, 8 in 2022, 144 in 2023, 59 in 2024, 86 in 2025, and 19 cases reported until March 2026.
After Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Mysuru have reported the second and third highest number of cases, respectively, highlighting that the issue is not confined to the state capital alone.
Only Two Convictions So Far
Despite the large number of cases, enforcement outcomes remain minimal. Of the 468 cases registered, only 14 accused individuals have been arrested across various districts. More strikingly, only two convictions have been secured so far.
In one such case from 2020 in Dakshina Kannada district, two individuals were arrested for issuing a bomb threat and were later convicted following investigation.
Accused Behind 1,100 Hoax Calls Arrested
In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi Police arrested a 47-year-old man, Srinivas Louis, in Mysuru. He was allegedly responsible for sending around 1,100 hoax bomb threat messages to schools, colleges, courts, and other institutions across the country.
Police recovered a mobile phone, multiple SIM cards, and laptops from his possession, indicating the scale and coordination involved in the operation.
District-Wise Data Highlights Widespread Issue
Data from various commissionerates and districts reveal the extent of the problem across Karnataka. While Bengaluru City leads by a wide margin, several other districts such as Mangaluru City, Mysuru City, Hassan, and Hubballi have also reported multiple incidents over the years.
In total, Karnataka recorded 468 hoax bomb threat cases between 2020 and March 2026, underlining the growing misuse of communication channels to spread fear and disrupt public life.
The sharp rise in hoax bomb threats across Karnataka is a serious concern that demands stricter enforcement and greater public awareness. While these acts may seem like harmless pranks to some, they have real consequences, straining police resources and causing widespread panic among citizens.
