Gurdaspur District on High Alert After Bomb Threats Target Educational Institutions
Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, panic briefly gripped Gurdaspur district in Punjab after several prominent educational institutions received bomb threat emails, prompting an immediate and comprehensive response from the district police. The situation created significant concern among authorities and the local community during this sensitive period.
Swift Police Action and Extensive Security Checks
Acting with urgency, the police conducted extensive checks across multiple schools and colleges that had received the threatening communications. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Aditya personally led police teams to inspect the premises, ensuring thorough security protocols were followed.
According to the SSP, six educational institutions in Gurdaspur received emails threatening bomb attacks. These included well-known establishments such as DPS Gurdaspur, Gurdaspur Public School, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, and a government college, among others. The threats specifically mentioned potential explosive devices on campus.
In response to these alerts, bomb disposal squads, dog squads, and local police personnel meticulously searched classrooms, hostels, and entire campus areas. The security teams left no stone unturned in their efforts to ensure student and staff safety.
Hoax Confirmed and Situation Normalized
Fortunately, after thorough investigations, no explosive material was found at any of the targeted institutions. All the threatening emails were later confirmed to be hoax communications designed to create panic and disruption.
SSP Aditya noted that the situation was partly eased because most schools were already closed due to Basant Panchami celebrations, which minimized potential disruption to academic activities. However, security measures were significantly tightened across the entire district as a precautionary measure.
Parallel Police Operation Nets Illegal Firearms
In a parallel development highlighting heightened vigilance, the district police arrested two individuals and recovered illegal firearms during the same period. The police intensified their ongoing campaign against organized crime as part of Republic Day security preparations.
During a patrol conducted by police station Kahnuwan along with CIA staff Gurdaspur, authorities apprehended a youth identified as Sahil alias Bhakku on suspicion. A subsequent search led to the recovery of one .32 bore pistol, one magazine, and four live cartridges from his possession.
An FIR was registered against the arrested accused under Sections 25, 54, and 59 of the Arms Act. During interrogation, Sahil disclosed that he had procured the weapon from Ajay Kumar, son of Tarsem Masih, a resident of Kahnuwan.
Acting on this crucial information, the police promptly arrested Ajay Kumar and recovered another .32 bore pistol, one magazine, and two live cartridges from his possession. Both accused individuals will be produced before the court and remanded to police custody as further investigation continues.
Heightened Security Measures for Republic Day
The SSP emphasized that police remain on high alert to ensure peace and security throughout Gurdaspur district ahead of Republic Day celebrations. The dual incidents—the bomb threat hoax and the firearms recovery—have prompted authorities to implement enhanced security protocols across educational institutions and public spaces.
These security measures include:
- Increased police patrols in sensitive areas
- Enhanced surveillance around educational institutions
- Coordination with school administrations for security protocols
- Continued crackdown on illegal arms and organized crime
The police have assured residents that all necessary precautions are being taken to maintain law and order during the Republic Day period. Authorities continue to investigate the source of the hoax bomb threat emails while maintaining vigilance against potential security threats.
