Iskcon Temple in Girgaon Chowpatty Receives Hoax Bomb Threat; Police Launch Probe

Mumbai, July 21 — In a shocking turn of events, the Iskcon temple located at Mumbai’s Girgaon Chowpatty was the target of a hoax bomb threat on Sunday, sending panic waves through devotees and authorities. An anonymous email claimed that powerful explosives had been planted on the temple premises and would detonate in 16 hours unless specific demands were met by the Tamil Nadu government.

The threat email, received through the temple’s official email ID, was immediately reported to local authorities. The temple’s security manager, Rahul Govekar, who has been working at the premises since 2017, was the first to notice the suspicious message while monitoring official emails on Sunday.

The email allegedly claimed that five RDX-based Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) had been planted within the temple complex and would explode if the Tamil Nadu government and police failed to implement recommendations by several state committees. Although the content appeared politically motivated, authorities treated the threat with utmost seriousness.

 

Police Respond Swiftly

Upon being alerted, Govekar informed his seniors and immediately contacted the Gamdevi Police Station, triggering a full-scale response. The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), along with local law enforcement teams, arrived at the temple within minutes.

A thorough search and sanitization operation of the temple complex was conducted using sniffer dogs, metal detectors, and bomb detection equipment. The operation lasted several hours, and after a detailed inspection, no explosives were found.

Following the operation, police confirmed it was a hoax bomb threat but assured the public that all safety measures had been followed and that the situation was under control.
 

Complaint Registered, Investigation Underway

Based on Govekar’s statement, the police registered an official First Information Report (FIR) under Section 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with criminal intimidation involving threats to cause public alarm or harm.

Speaking on the matter, a senior police official from the Gamdevi police station said, “We are currently tracing the origin of the email. The IP address, server data, and sender’s digital footprint are being examined to identify the person responsible. Sending such threats is a serious criminal offence and strict action will be taken.”

The motive behind referencing the Tamil Nadu government in the email remains unclear. Investigators are considering multiple angles, including whether the sender has political motivations or if it was a deliberate attempt to create chaos.

Devotees Unshaken, Security Tightened

Despite the initial panic, the atmosphere at the Iskcon temple gradually returned to normal. Devotees were seen visiting the temple as usual on Monday, though with heightened security at entry points.

Temple authorities issued a statement thanking the Mumbai Police for their swift action and reassuring visitors that their safety was a top priority. “We trust the authorities and are cooperating fully with the investigation. Such acts cannot deter our faith or daily worship,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police have issued an advisory asking citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious emails, packages, or activity, especially in crowded public places and religious sites.

Conclusion
 

This incident adds to the growing number of hoax threats being made to public institutions and places of worship, underlining the importance of robust cyber monitoring and public awareness. While no harm was done, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the psychological impact such false alarms can have on communities.

With the investigation ongoing, authorities are determined to bring the perpetrator to justice and reinforce the message that hoax threats carry real legal consequences.