Bank in Kochi receives hoax bomb threat

Two branches of a private bank in Kochi received a hoax bomb threat on Monday (January 5, 2026). The threat, sent via email, was allegedly attributed to the banned CPI (Maoist). The message reportedly warned that explosions would occur at the Pallimukku and Mamangalam branches of the bank by noon.

The police, along with the bomb disposal and dog squads, carried out thorough inspections at the bank branches following an alert from the bank. No suspicious objects were found, according to the Palarivattom police.

The threat messages reportedly claimed that ammonium nitrate had been planted at multiple locations inside the bank. The police said they have launched a probe to trace the origin of the email and sought details from the service providers.