Late Monday night, a wave of panic swept through Kannur railway station as a baseless bomb threat initiated a comprehensive search effort by police and railway personnel.
The alarming call, made to the emergency number 112 at approximately 11 p.m., falsely claimed that an explosive device had been placed within the station premises. This prompted an immediate and thorough investigation by the railway police, RPF, bomb squad, and dog squad, who meticulously scoured the station and its vicinity, ultimately finding no suspicious items.
Subsequent investigation led authorities to a 55-year-old man named Shaji from Chapparapadavu, identified as the source of the hoax. He was promptly taken into custody following notification to the local police. It was discovered that the individual was suffering from a mental illness and had recently been discharged from a treatment facility in Koothuparamba. The call itself was made using a SIM card registered to a relative.
Although he was released after initial questioning, law enforcement officials indicated that further legal proceedings, including the filing of a formal case, are expected to follow.