Security operations were launched in Chandigarh on Thursday after bomb threat emails targeted two significant government buildings, prompting immediate evacuations and comprehensive anti-sabotage checks. The Punjab Civil Secretariat in Sector 1 and the Punjab Municipal Bhawan in Sector 35 received threatening messages, following a series of similar hoaxes that have disrupted the city over recent days.
Immediate Security Response and Evacuations
According to official sources, the threatening emails were sent to the National Informatics Centre (NIC) at the Punjab Civil Secretariat and to the Director of Local Government at Municipal Bhawan. The latter location is particularly notable as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann frequently attends official functions in its auditorium.
Upon receiving these alerts, security agencies swiftly mobilized police personnel, fire brigade teams, and specialized bomb disposal squads to both locations. The premises were immediately cordoned off as a precautionary measure, with employees and visitors being evacuated from the buildings to ensure their safety.
Thorough Searches and Security Protocols
Chandigarh Police officers confirmed that comprehensive anti-sabotage checks and search operations are currently underway at both government complexes. All standard security protocols have been activated in response to these threats, with authorities maintaining a heightened state of alert.
Police officials stated that no suspicious objects or explosive materials have been detected so far during the ongoing searches. The situation remains under close surveillance as security teams continue their meticulous examination of the premises.
Cyber Investigation Launched
Police sources revealed that one of the threatening emails was sent via Gmail to the Punjab Secretariat and reportedly contained a specific threat directed at the Punjab Police chief. Chandigarh Police officers emphasized that these threats are being treated with utmost seriousness despite previous hoaxes in the region.
The cyber cell has initiated a detailed investigation to trace the origin of these emails and identify the sender. Authorities are working diligently to establish both the source and motive behind these disruptive messages that have caused significant security concerns.
Pattern of Recent Threats in Chandigarh
This latest incident follows a concerning pattern of bomb threats that have targeted various institutions across Chandigarh in recent days. Just one day earlier, on Wednesday, at least 30 schools throughout the Union Territory received similar bomb threat emails, triggering large-scale security operations, evacuations, and temporary suspension of classes.
After extensive searches throughout that day, police confirmed that no suspicious or explosive material was found on any of the school premises. This marked the second consecutive day of bomb threat disruptions in the city.
Over the preceding days, similar bomb threat emails had targeted the District Courts in Chandigarh and the prestigious Punjab and Haryana High Court. Those threats were eventually declared hoaxes after exhaustive searches failed to uncover any explosive materials.
Continued Vigilance Despite Previous Hoaxes
Despite the earlier incidents proving to be false alarms, security agencies remain on high alert as investigations continue. The repeated nature of these threats has prompted authorities to maintain enhanced security measures across sensitive government buildings and public institutions in the region.
The Chandigarh Police have assured the public that they are taking all necessary precautions while urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The investigation into these coordinated threats continues as authorities work to identify and apprehend those responsible for creating this atmosphere of uncertainty and disruption.
