On October 27, 2024, at least ten prominent hotels in Lucknow received alarming bomb threats via email, prompting local police to initiate extensive search operations at these establishments. The anonymous sender demanded a ransom of $55,000 (approximately ₹46 lakh) in exchange for not detonating explosives purportedly concealed in black bags located on the hotels’ premises.
The threatening email stated: “Bombs are hidden in black bags on the grounds of your hotel. I want $55,000 or I will detonate the explosives and blood will spread everywhere. Any attempt at diffusing the bomb will detonate them. To pay the ransom, contact me on my primary email address.”
The hotels that received these threats include Comfort Hotel Vista, Clarks Awadh, Saraca Lucknow, Fortune Park BBD, Lemon Tree Hotel, The Piccadily Lucknow, Hotel Casa Aishbagh, Hotel Dayal Gateway, and Hotel Silvete.
In response to the threats, hotel managements promptly alerted law enforcement agencies, who are currently conducting investigations. As of the latest updates, the Lucknow police had not released an official statement regarding the bomb threats.This wave of threats in the Uttar Pradesh capital follows similar incidents just two days earlier, when three hotels in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, also received bomb threats.
The situation has raised concerns about security protocols in the hospitality sector and the safety of guests and staff.
Authorities are urging the public to remain calm while they continue their investigations, and are advising hotels to enhance their security measures during this critical time.
