A recent email written in Russian and sent to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) official website has sparked serious concerns. The message threatened to “blow up the bank,” prompting swift action by the authorities. A case has been filed at Mumbai’s Mata Ramabai Marg (MRA Marg) police station, and investigations are ongoing, as confirmed by Zone 1 Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Mumbai Police.
The 5 Ws and H
Who: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Mumbai Police.
What: A threatening email in Russian, warning to blow up the RBI.
Where: RBI’s official website, Mumbai; the case filed at MRA Marg police station.
When: The threat was reported shortly after bomb threats to several Delhi schools on December 8, around 11:38 PM.
Why: The motive behind the email remains unclear, though it follows a pattern of recent hoax threats.
How: The threat was communicated through an email written in Russian.
Events Leading Up to the Threat
The bomb threat to RBI came just hours after multiple schools in New Delhi received similar threats. Among the affected schools were Bhatnagar Public School in Paschim Vihar, Cambridge School in Srinivaspuri, and Delhi Public School branches in East of Kailash, Defence Colony, and Safdarjung Enclave. The Delhi Police Public School in Safdarjung Enclave and Venkatesh Public School in Rohini were also targeted.
Authorities, including the Delhi Fire Brigade and police teams, immediately swung into action, conducting thorough inspections to ensure the safety of students and staff. Following an exhaustive search, officials confirmed that no suspicious items were found.
A Disturbing Trend
The Delhi schools’ bomb threats reportedly came with a ransom demand of USD 30,000. The email, received late on December 8, caused panic and alarm across the national capital. While these threats turned out to be false alarms, they raised serious questions about public safety and cybersecurity measures.
Similarly, the threat to the RBI’s official website has put Mumbai Police on high alert. The email, written in Russian, adds a layer of complexity to the investigation. Authorities are exploring whether the threats in Delhi and Mumbai are connected or part of a larger hoax operation.
Heightened Vigilance and Cybersecurity Concerns
Given the sensitive nature of the RBI as a financial institution, the email has triggered concerns about cybersecurity and potential vulnerabilities in official systems. The police are working diligently to trace the source of the email, identifying whether it originated locally or internationally.
Zone 1 DCP of Mumbai Police reassured the public, stating, “A case has been registered against unknown accused, and investigations are ongoing.”
While initial investigations suggest a hoax, the repetitive nature of such threats highlights the need for robust security measures across educational institutions and government organizations. The authorities continue to prioritize public safety and cybersecurity, urging citizens to remain vigilant
