342 bomb threats received since April duly investigated: Chennai Police Commissioner

Greater Chennai Police (GCP) Commissioner A. Arun said on Tuesday (November 11, 2025) that 342 bomb threat emails had been received since April, and all of them were taken seriously and duly investigated.

Addressing the media, Mr. Arun elaborated on the measures taken by the police to handle such threats. “All incidents have been duly booked, and either a CSR or FIR has been registered. We treat every mail seriously and ensure none are ignored, even though all of them have turned out to be hoaxes. All the cases have been consolidated and referred to a special unit — the Anti-Terror Squad — which is currently investigating the incidents,” he said.

The Commissioner said based on the language and phrasing used in the emails, it appeared that a small group of miscreants could be behind the threats. “They seem to be disgruntled elements suspected to be operating locally,” he added. He said tracing the IP address of the sender had been difficult since the emails were sent using dark web browsers and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). “Recently, such threats have also been sent through Gmail and Hotmail accounts using VPNs,” he said.

Mr. Arun added that the issue was not limited to Chennai. “Such threat mails have also been sent to key locations across India. Central agencies have taken cognisance of the matter and are conducting their own investigations,” he said.

“Some of these mails were sent to consulate offices in the city, and we have acted immediately in each instance. The premises were thoroughly checked after the receipt of the mails, following our standard operating procedures for handling such threats,” he said.

The Commissioner said security had been tightened at vital installations and Metro stations across the city following Monday’s explosion in Delhi, although there was no specific threat to Chennai. “We have intensified vehicle checks and strengthened security measures without causing panic or disruption. We will continue to remain vigilant,” Mr. Arun added.