Fresh bomb threat triggers panic at passport offices in Chandigarh

After recent bomb threats at schools in the Chandigarh Tricity, fresh emails, warning of 12 toxic gas bombs, triggered panic at the Sector 17 bus stand, Passport Seva Kendra in Sector 34 and the main passport office in the Industrial Area.

According to officials, the threat email was received on the passport office’s email ID at 11:46 pm on March 1. The message was sent from an ID, identified as “Arna Ashwinshekhar”. The matter came to light on Monday morning after staff opened the office, following which the police were alerted at 12:02 pm.

Police teams immediately evacuated both passport offices. They also carried out a search operation at the Sector 17 bus stand. A bomb disposal team, dog squad and forensic experts were pressed into service. The search operation continued at these places for nearly one and a half hours. However, no explosive device or suspicious material was found. After the completion of the search, normal functioning resumed at the offices around 1:30 pm.

In the subject line, the email sender claimed that 12 poisonous gas bomb blasts would take place at the specified sites. The sender, claiming to be Arna Ashwin Shekhar, levelled allegations of molestation and rape against certain persons. The email further claimed that the threat was issued due to alleged denial of justice in those matters. It also referred to certain organisations and stated that the proposed action was meant to secure justice.

The police have launched an investigation to verify whether the names mentioned in the email have any connection with Chandigarh.