Shimla, Apr 17,
Himachal Pradesh police have heightened security across the state following bomb threats received via email at two crucial government offices: the Chief Secretary’s office at the state secretariat in Shimla and the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mandi.
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The identical threats have triggered significant concern and swift action from state authorities.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena confirmed that his office and the DC Mandi office received threatening emails. The emails, using the same language, threatened to blow up the offices and referenced a past incident in Tamil Nadu.
“It is unclear why the sender is linking the threat to my office in Himachal Pradesh,” Saxena stated. Though not confirmed but certain reports have noted that the mails were claimed to be from Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the Mumbai terror attacks.
In Shimla, the state secretariat premises were immediately sanitized, and security measures have been significantly reinforced. Access to the secretariat is now restricted, with stringent checks conducted on all individuals entering the building. The heightened security measures are causing disruption to normal administrative functions, but authorities emphasize that public safety is the priority.
Mandi Deputy Commissioner a also confirmed the receipt of the threat, stating that the premises are under increased surveillance. “We have issued a high alert and restricted public access to ensure the safety of everyone,” he said. This has resulted in limited access to public services at the DC office in Mandi, causing inconvenience to citizens.
Authorities are investigating the possibility of these threats being part of a larger pattern, noting that similar threats have been reported at approximately 18 locations in Uttar Pradesh. The potential for a coordinated attempt by a militant organization targeting key North Indian areas, including Shimla and Mandi, is a primary focus of the investigation.
Police and intelligence agencies are currently working to trace the origin of the threatening emails, which were reportedly, sent from a Gmail account. In the meantime, security has been intensified at all major government buildings throughout Himachal Pradesh, causing increased vigilance and some disruption to daily life in the state.
