Delhi resident arrested in connection with Kullu bomb threat mail

In a significant breakthrough in the bomb threat case that rattled the district administration Kullu earlier this year, one accused has been arrested and brought to Kullu yesterday for further investigation.

The arrest comes after months of coordinated inter-state investigation led by law enforcement agencies.

The incident dates back to May 2, 2025, when a bomb threat was received via email at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kullu, causing panic and prompting a high-level security alert across the district. The email, which indicated the possibility of an explosive device in the area, led to an immediate search operation and heightened vigilance across government offices and public areas.

During the course of the investigation, cyber forensic teams traced the origin of the email and zeroed in on two mobile devices connected to the case. The phones were located and seized from Mangalore and Bangalore, Karnataka. Further examination revealed that the device used to send the threat was reported stolen from Medikeri, also in Karnataka.

This led the investigating agencies to Nitin Sharma, a resident of Baljeet Nagar, New Delhi, who has a prior criminal record for issuing similar bomb threats across various states, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Hyderabad.

After surveillance and coordination with southern law enforcement authorities, Nitin Sharma was arrested by the Mysuru Police in August 2025. He was recently brought to Kullu on a transit remand and formally taken into custody by local police.

A five-day police custody remand has been obtained to facilitate detailed interrogation and digital evidence recovery. Police officials have confirmed that the accused’s inter-state criminal links are now under close investigation.

According to sources in the investigation team, Nitin Sharma is suspected to be part of a broader network involved in cybercrime and digital intimidation. The police are now looking into whether the bomb threat to the DC Office Kullu was an isolated incident or part of a coordinated series of threats aimed at disrupting administrative functioning in multiple states.

Kullu Superintendent of Police Karthikeyan Gokulachandran stated, “The accused has a history of similar offenses, and we are pursuing all leads, including his digital footprint and past associations. His connection to devices used in Karnataka is under forensic scrutiny.”

Following the threat in May, the district administration had reviewed security protocols and enhanced digital surveillance of official communication channels. While no explosive material was found at the time, the threat was treated with utmost seriousness, given its potential implications.

Residents and officials have expressed relief that progress has been made in the case, and local authorities have reassured the public that all efforts are being made to ensure their safety.

Further developments in the investigation are awaited as the accused is interrogated and forensic analysis continues.