Chandigarh :
Panic gripped key government establishments in Chandigarh on Thursday morning after bomb threats were issued to the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Mini Secretariat and Police Headquarters, prompting authorities to sound a high alert and tighten security across the city.
According to officials, a threatening email was received at 9:46 AM, warning of explosions later in the afternoon. Acting swiftly, police and administrative authorities sealed the main gates of the Secretariat complex and evacuated officers and staff as a precautionary measure.
Teams from the Chandigarh Police, CRPF, bomb disposal squad and dog squad rushed to the premises and launched an intensive search operation. Suspicious objects were thoroughly examined and strict checks were enforced on all incoming visitors.
Security was also heightened at the district court complex in Chandigarh following reports of a similar threat. In view of the situation, the Haryana Civil Secretariat was placed on alert, particularly as the Haryana Assembly’s Budget Session is scheduled to begin on February 20. Additional security arrangements were made inside the Assembly complex ahead of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting in the afternoon.
The email reportedly mentioned targeting the Chief Minister’s Office and other government buildings. However, no police or administrative official has officially confirmed the exact contents of the message so far. Investigation agencies are working to trace the origin of the email and identify those responsible.
Notably, there has been a recent surge in such threats in the region. Several schools in Chandigarh and Mohali have received similar bomb threat emails in recent days. Earlier, district courts and Sri Harmandir Sahib were also sent threatening messages. A private hospital in Mohali had received a similar threat a few days ago, which later turned out to be a hoax.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm while security forces continue comprehensive checks to ensure public safety.
