Mumbai: Maharashtra civic authorities on Wednesday received a series of bomb threat emails targeting key locations, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), and municipal mayoral offices in Mumbai and Pune. These threats led to evacuations and heightened security checks, according to news agency PTI.
Mumbai Bomb Threats
In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) received multiple emails warning of blasts at several locations, including the mayor's office and the CMO. Officials stated that the messages were sent to several official email IDs, triggering a multi-agency investigation. The emails allegedly mentioned planned explosions at the mayor's office, CMO, BSE building, and other civic offices, and included references to Khalistan along with inflammatory content targeting institutions.
Pune Evacuations
In Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) main administrative building and mayor's office also received a bomb threat email, prompting a full evacuation and a detailed search operation by the bomb detection squad. Entry to the PMC premises was later restricted as a precautionary measure.
Nagpur RSS Headquarters Targeted
In Nagpur, police were alerted after Mayor Neeta Thakre received an email claiming that an explosive device had been planted at the RSS headquarters in the Mahal area at Dr Hedgewar Smruti Bhavan in Reshimbagh. A Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) was immediately deployed, but no suspicious objects were found during the search. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Zone 3 in Nagpur City, Rahul Madne, stated, "An email was received threatening to plant a bomb and blow things up. Following the information received via that email, we are conducting a thorough search; the operation is currently underway. We are checking three locations: the RSS headquarters, Hedgewar Bhawan, and Harihar. Nothing has been found so far, but it was important to conduct a thorough check, and that process is now complete."
Details of the Threats
The emails reportedly warned that an improvised explosive device-laden car could be used to carry out a blast at the Mumbai mayor's office at 1:11 pm, along with similar threats to the BSE building, CMO, and BMC offices at specific timings. According to officials, the email, allegedly sent by a group calling itself the Khalistan National Army, mentioned a series of planned IED blasts at the PMC mayor's office at 1:11 pm, Vidhan Bhavan at 3:11 pm, and the RSS headquarters in Nagpur at 3:11 pm. The message also referred to the RSS's alleged support for Operation Bluestar and Operation Woodrose in 1984 and called for 'badla' (revenge) and the 'end' of the BJP and RSS.
Security Measures and Investigation
Security has been tightened across all civic offices and sensitive installations in Mumbai and Pune, while investigations are underway to trace the origin of the emails. Police have urged citizens not to panic, assuring that precautionary measures are in place. The authorities are working to identify the perpetrators and prevent any potential threats.
