Fake bomb threat sparks panic at Kannur railway station; caller with mental illness taken into custody

Panic gripped the Kannur railway station late on Monday (September 29, 2025) night after a fake bomb threat call triggered an extended search operation by the police and railway authorities.

The call, received on the emergency number 112 around 11 p.m., claimed that a bomb had been planted at the station. Soon, the railway police, RPF, bomb squad and dog squad conducted a thorough search of the station and surrounding areas but found nothing.

During the probe, police traced the call to a 55-year-old man, identified as Shaji from Chapparapadavu. He was taken into custody after the local police were alerted. Investigation revealed that he was mentally ill and had recently left Koothuparamba after treatment. The call was made using a SIM card registered in a relative’s name.

Though released after questioning, the police said further action, including filing a case, would follow.