Hoax bomb threat at Mayor’s office triggers security scare

A hoax bomb threat sent via email to the office of Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh on Wednesday morning triggered a major security alert at the Civic Centre, prompting a swift response from security agencies before the premises were declared safe.

"The e-mail was allegedly sent in the name of a group identifying itself as "Khalistan National Army,” sources said.

According to officials, the Mayor’s Office received the email at 7:31 am warning of an explosion at 2:11 pm. Taking the threat seriously, the authorities immediately informed the Delhi Police, following which teams from the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and Dog Squad carried out an extensive search operation across the Civic Centre premises. The inspection covered parking areas, basements, the Mayor’s office and adjoining sections of the building. However, no suspicious object or activity was detected during the operation.

Mayor Singh said a similar threat had been received in 2022 and suggested that such incidents are often the handiwork of miscreants attempting to create panic. He assured that the situation is under control and normal functioning has resumed at the Mayor’s Office. “There is no cause for concern, and citizens should not pay attention to rumours,” he said, adding that such threats will not affect governance or public service delivery.

Police officials said security arrangements at the Civic Centre have been further tightened. Personnel have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance, ensure strict verification at entry points, regularly monitor the premises and make effective use of CCTV surveillance. They have also been directed to immediately report any suspicious activity.

Reacting to the incident, Leader of Opposition in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Ankush Narang, criticised the government, alleging a “serious security crisis” in the Capital and claiming that even the city’s first citizen is not safe. He took to X and said, “The national capital Delhi is today grappling with a serious security crisis. The situation has become so alarming that now the city's first citizen, the BJP's mayor, is also not safe,” adding that repeated threats indicate weakening security and put both the public and elected representatives at risk.

Officials reiterated that all necessary precautionary measures are in place and the situation remains fully under control.