Madurai Police conducted another round of high-intensity searches on Thursday after a fresh bomb threat email warned of explosives at multiple key locations — the Sikandar Dargah atop Thirupparankundram hill, the Madurai District Collectorate and the District Court complex. Acting on the alert, authorities immediately deployed bomb detection squads, cordoned off the areas and carried out detailed checks. After several hours of combing operations, officials confirmed that no explosive devices were found and the email was yet another hoax.
The latest threat came less than 24 hours after a similar email triggered searches at the same locations on Wednesday. In that case too, bomb squads examined the hilltop dargah as well as the Kasi Viswanathar Temple situated behind the hill. Madurai City Police later clarified that both places were safe and the threat had been fabricated. The recurrence of false alarms over two consecutive days has raised concern among law-enforcement officials, who say such hoaxes not only strain police resources but also heighten fear and confusion among residents.
These repeated threats coincide with a rapidly intensifying controversy over the lighting of a traditional lamp at Thirupparankundram hill, an issue that has sparked religious, political and legal disputes. The Madras High Court recently ordered the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam on a stone pillar located near the Sikandar Dargah. This directive has been strongly opposed by the Tamil Nadu government, which argues that the order could create communal tension. The disagreement has led to protests from various groups, clashes between supporters and opponents, and an increasingly heated political atmosphere in the region.
The Thirupparankundram hill, home to both a revered dargah and ancient Hindu temples, has long been a symbol of shared heritage. However, the current conflict over ceremonial practices has deepened fault lines and caused friction between religious communities and government authorities. The back-to-back bomb hoax incidents have further unsettled the environment, prompting calls for heightened security, responsible communication and restraint from all sides.
As investigations into the source of the hoax emails continue, police officials have urged the public not to panic and assured that strict legal action will be taken against whoever is responsible. Meanwhile, the broader dispute surrounding the hilltop lamp-lighting ritual remains unresolved, suggesting that tensions may continue unless a negotiated or judicially clarified solution emerges.
