Authorities in Tirupati are currently investigating a series of bomb threats that targeted three hotels, with alarming emails mentioning Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, the wife of Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. The threats were reported on October 24, 2024, and have raised significant concerns about public safety in the region, known for its bustling hospitality industry due to the influx of pilgrims visiting the temple city.
Bomb Threats Spark Urgent Police Response
On October 24, three hotels—Leela Mahal, Kapila Theertham, and Alipiri—received threatening emails claiming that bombs had been planted on their premises. The emails suggested that these threats were a reaction to the arrest of alleged drug kingpin Jaffer Sadiq and implicated Tamil Nadu’s top police official, Shankar Jiwal. Following the threats, police conducted extensive searches at the hotels with sniffer dogs, ultimately confirming that the threats were hoaxes. An FIR has been registered, and investigations are underway to identify those responsible for sending the emails. Circle Inspector Srinivasulu stated, “We are exploring multiple angles and are committed to swiftly identifying those responsible for this threat.”
Context of Political Tensions and Threats
These bomb threats come amid rising political sensitivities in Tamil Nadu, particularly following Udhayanidhi Stalin’s controversial remarks regarding Sanatana Dharma. The emails not only mentioned Sadiq but also alluded to a conspiracy involving international entities like the ISI, suggesting that blasts were planned to divert attention from political controversies surrounding the Stalin family. The emails claimed that “international pressure” had mounted due to Sadiq’s arrest and stated that “blasts in schools” were necessary to shift focus away from the involvement of political figures.
Major Developments
1. 26 October – New Bomb Threats Mentioning Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Wife
Two prominent hotels received fresh bomb threats a day after initial reports. The new emails referenced Jaffer Sadiq’s arrest and implicated Tamil Nadu’s top cop Shankar Jiwal along with Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi. Police confirmed that thorough searches revealed no explosives.
2. 25 October – Initial Bomb Threats Received
Three hotels in Tirupati were targeted by bomb threats via email. The emails claimed that bombs were planted in response to Sadiq’s arrest and included alarming statements about potential attacks on schools.
3. 24 October – Threat Emails Sent
Emails warning of imminent bomb attacks were sent to several hotels around 5:30 PM. The messages included claims about involvement from foreign entities like the ISI and suggested complicity from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s family.
4. 21 October – Context of Political Tensions
These threats are rooted in ongoing controversies surrounding Udhayanidhi Stalin’s comments and the arrest of Jaffer Sadiq, which have intensified scrutiny on political figures in Tamil Nadu.
