Let’s never forget that hoax calls are criminal acts

Representational image. Pic/iStock

The Mumbai crime branch arrested a man for providing false information to the police with reference to a fake terror threat. The accused sought revenge against a truck driver after his scooter was involved in a minor collision with a truck.

Recently, the Mumbai police control room received an alarming call from an anonymous individual late night. The caller reported that a fully-loaded tanker, allegedly carrying RDX and two Pakistani nationals, was enroute from Mumbai to Goa. The authorities sprang into action, involving the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad and the Goa police control room.

However, in the course of the subsequent investigation, the police discovered crucial evidence that raised doubts about the veracity of the caller's claims. It was found that a tanker had passed by a scooter, causing only a minor collision.

Apparently driven by anger, the scooter driver hatched a revenge plot to frame the truck driver and instigate a counter from authorities.

This shockingly irresponsible act could have had grave consequences. We hear about fake terror threats. Calls to authorities are made, citing bomb threats, terror attacks at times to get other people in trouble or simply as a ruse for revenge. This is abhorrent.

So is the infantile behaviour of making calls simply as a joke. Some reasons trotted out are: that somebody thought it may be fun to do so. Yet another made these calls on a dare. Some thought they would test the system or police.

People need to realise this is hardly funny. More awareness about strict punitive action, arrests and jail time this may warrant will act as deterrent.

These are serious matters and need to be treated as such. Desist from childish and criminal behaviour, which this is. Think about your family and loved ones. Maturity and responsibility, besides accountability must define our actions.