Dhanbad: A high alert was sounded in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad on Wednesday after the Main Post Office and the Regional Passport Seva Kendra operating from the same premises received a bomb threat through an anonymous email for the second time.
Following the threat, police immediately evacuated the entire complex and launched an extensive search operation with the help of the bomb disposal squad and dog squad.
According to officials, the threatening email claimed that explosions would take place at the Main Post Office and the Passport Seva Kendra at 1:15 p.m. The message also contained objectionable religious remarks and called for the removal of members of a particular community.
Security agencies are examining the content, source and credibility of the email as part of their investigation.
Soon after the threat was received, teams from Dhanbad Police and other security agencies rushed to the spot. As a precaution, all employees and visitors present inside the Post Office and Passport Seva Kendra were safely evacuated.
Authorities also cleared the adjoining BSNL office and the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) office to minimise the risk of casualties in case of any emergency.
Senior police officers supervised the operation while bomb disposal experts and dog squads conducted a thorough search of the entire premises. The surrounding area was also combed and all suspicious objects were examined.
Till the filing of this report, no explosive material had been found.
Security has been tightened in and around the area, with police restricting public movement and establishing a security cordon around the premises.
The cyber cell has joined the investigation to trace the origin of the threatening email, including identifying the IP address or server from which it was sent, and to determine whether any individual, group or organisation was involved.
Police said the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness and that every aspect of the case is under investigation. They also appealed to the public not to spread or believe rumours and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Security agencies continue to monitor the situation closely.
With inputs from IANS