Hoax bomb call at Delhi hotel

A phone call that a bomb had been placed in an upmarket hotel in Connaught Place in Delhi led to extensive search of the premises and was later declared as a hoax.

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The police control room received a call at about 6 pm that a bomb had been placed in the Intercontinental Hotel off Barakhamba Road in New Delhi district.

Within minutes sniffer dogs and bomb disposal squad arrived at the hotel, which was witnessing festivities on account of Christmas eve.

An extensive search of the premises for over an hour led to the discovery of an unclaimed empty wooden box from the hotel after which the call was declared as hoax.

The hotel lobby, which was bustling with party revellers was cleared for the searches, but it failed to dampen the festive spirit.