False Bomb Threat Targets Vice President Radhakrishnan’s Chennai Residence
In a swift operation that underscored the vigilance of local law enforcement, a reported bomb threat against the Chennai home of Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan was confirmed to be nothing more than a baseless hoax on Thursday afternoon.
The incident unfolded around 1:30 p.m., when an anonymous call was received by the Madras Medical College police station, claiming that an explosive device had been planted at the vice president’s official residence in the bustling Raja Annamalai Puram neighborhood. The caller, whose voice was masked and identity remains unknown, issued the warning in a manner designed to instill immediate panic, according to police sources.
Without wasting a moment, authorities mobilized a comprehensive response. Teams from the Greater Chennai City Police’s Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) descended on the site, equipped with advanced scanners, sniffer dogs, and protective gear. Fire department units and additional security personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for safeguarding high-profile dignitaries, cordoned off the area to ensure public safety.
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The residence, a modest yet fortified structure serving as the vice president’s southern base since his elevation to the office earlier this year, was promptly evacuated. Staff members and nearby residents were ushered to safety as the search commenced. Over the next two grueling hours, experts combed every inch of the property—from the manicured lawns to the inner chambers—employing thermal imaging and explosive trace detectors.
By 3:45 p.m., the all-clear was sounded. No suspicious items, wiring, or residues were uncovered, leading senior officers to classify the alert as a malicious prank. “We treat every such call with the utmost seriousness to protect our leaders and citizens, but this was clearly an attempt to disrupt normalcy,” remarked a high-ranking police official, speaking on condition of anonymity pending further inquiry.
The Chennai police have since launched a probe to trace the call’s origin, scrutinizing telecom records and surveillance footage in the vicinity. Preliminary findings point to a possible local source, though details are withheld to avoid compromising the investigation. This episode marks the latest in a string of hoax threats plaguing public figures across India, prompting calls for stricter penalties against perpetrators.
Fortunately, Vice President Radhakrishnan, a seasoned Tamil Nadu politician known for his grassroots connect, was not present at the residence during the scare. He was engaged in official duties in New Delhi, as confirmed by his office. No injuries or disruptions to ongoing events were reported.
Such false alarms not only strain emergency resources but also erode public trust in security protocols. The police urged the public to report any suspicious activities promptly while emphasizing that hoax calls could lead to severe legal repercussions under the Indian Penal Code, including fines and imprisonment.
As the city returns to its rhythm, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the shadowy threats faced by those in power—and the tireless efforts of those who shield them.