Security heightened at Red Fort after hoax bomb threat

Delhi Police significantly beefed up security at the iconic Red Fort on Saturday after receiving information about a bomb threat. However, after a thorough search of the historic monument and its surrounding areas, officials declared the threat a hoax, as no suspicious objects or explosives were found.

The threatening call was made to the Mumbai Police control room. The unidentified caller claimed that the 17th-century Mughal-era landmark in the national capital would be blown up. Mumbai Police relayed the information to the Delhi Police control room, which alerted the North District Police for urgent action.

In response, security was quickly increased around the Red Fort. Bomb squads were sent in, and teams searched the main buildings, lawns, and nearby areas. After several hours, officials confirmed there was no real threat.

The all-clear was given, and normal security arrangements were restored at the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist spot. Police are now working to find the caller and understand why the false threat was made. Legal action will follow once the individual is apprehended, sources said. This incident comes amid recent hoax bomb threats reported across the National Capital Region. Earlier this month, several schools in Delhi received bomb threat emails, prompting evacuations and searches.

In June, the Delhi Mayor’s office also received a hoax warning about attacks at several places in Delhi and Haryana. This comes nearly eight months after a deadly car bomb exploded near the Red Fort Metro Station, killing 15 people and injuring many others.

These incidents have made security tighter at important heritage sites and public places in the city. Even though the latest call was a hoax, it shows how much false alarms can stretch police resources. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting national monuments and keeping citizens and tourists safe.

Investigations into the caller’s identity and motive continue, with a focus on preventing recurrence of such disruptive incidents. The episode serves as a reminder that police are still trying to determine who made the call and why, to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This case is a reminder that hoax threats waste time and resources that could be used for real emergencies. Its location in the heart of Old Delhi and its status as a major cultural landmark make it a high-profile target, necessitating constant vigilance by security agencies.