Second FIR in three weeks over hoax bomb threat email to passport office in Baner

Sat Mar 21 14:15:49 UTC 2026: # Pune Passport Office Targeted with Second Hoax Bomb Threat

The Story:
The Regional Passport Office in Pune’s Baner area was targeted with a second hoax bomb threat on March 17, 2026. An unidentified individual allegedly sent an email warning of an impending bomb attack, prompting staffer Jatin Pote (53) to file a first information report (FIR) at the Baner police station on Friday. This incident follows a similar hoax threat received approximately three weeks prior, on February 26, 2026. Police are investigating the incidents and coordinating with counterparts in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Ahmedabad, where similar threats have been reported.

Key Points:

• A second hoax bomb threat was sent to the Pune Regional Passport Office on March 17, 2026.
• The email claimed RDX explosives and cyanide gas bombs were planted in the office.
• Jatin Pote, a passport office staffer, lodged an FIR at the Baner police station.
• The sender is booked under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita sections related to endangering safety, criminal intimidation, and public mischief.
• A similar hoax threat was received on February 26, 2026, containing irrelevant references to Tamil Nadu politics, “Azad Kashmir Pak ISI cells,” and other unrelated entities.
• Similar hoax threats have been sent to passport offices in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Ahmedabad.

Key Takeaways:

• The recurrence of hoax bomb threats suggests a deliberate attempt to disrupt operations at passport offices across multiple cities.
• The inclusion of irrelevant and inflammatory references in the February 26 email indicates a potential motive beyond simple disruption, possibly aiming to spread misinformation or sow discord.
• The coordinated nature of the threats across different cities suggests a possible organized effort.
• Law enforcement agencies are treating these threats seriously, as evidenced by the FIR and inter-state coordination.
• The use of different email addresses for similar threats indicates an attempt by the perpetrator to avoid detection.

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