Authorities Dismiss Latest Red Fort Bomb Threat as Hoax

After a flurry of security activity on Monday, Delhi officials have declared the most recent bomb threat against the Red Fort to be a hoax.

The warning arrived as an email to the Delhi mayor’s office, claiming that explosives would be detonated at the historic venue on 15 August, coinciding with the Independence Day ceremony. Police, bomb squads and auxiliary security teams responded immediately, securing the entire fort area.

A systematic search was carried out, covering every building, pathway and surrounding neighbourhood. The operation yielded no evidence of bombs, suspicious packages or any hazardous material.

Investigators are still working to trace the email’s source, but early findings suggest the threat may have been fabricated. The alert mirrors an earlier incident on 11 July, which also ended with authorities confirming there was no real danger.

The email threat is believed to be connected to a phone call received by Mumbai police last month, in which the caller threatened to blow up the Red Fort. The call was promptly forwarded to Delhi, prompting the North District Police to launch protective measures.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the nation from the Red Fort on 15 August, celebrating India’s 80th Independence Day. The government has opened a portal for public suggestions on the speech, with a deadline of 12 August.