Bomb hoax triggers panic at Chamba, Hamirpur DC offices

Panic gripped the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Chamba on Friday after officials received an anonymous email threatening to blow up the complex. In response, the district administration immediately evacuated the building and a bomb disposal squad conducted a comprehensive search of the premises. No suspicious objects were found during the operation.

A heavy police deployment was made around the DC office, while the bomb squad, assisted by sniffer dogs, carried out a meticulous sweep. Though the threat ultimately proved to be a hoax, security agencies are taking no chances and have launched a full-scale investigation.

The incident has raised fresh concerns across the state, especially as it follows similar threatening emails sent to officials in Mandi and Shimla. Police sources revealed that the cyber cell is actively tracing the origin of the email, with early findings pointing to a proxy server—a method used in the earlier threats as well.

What has further alarmed investigators is that the threatening email made references to an incident in Tamil Nadu and mentioned Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Central intelligence agencies have been alerted and authorities are working to determine whether a larger conspiracy is at play.

Meanwhile, after receiving a threatening email on the official email ID of the Deputy Commissioner on Friday, the mini-secretariat building housing the DC’s office was promptly vacated. The administration and quick action team of the police, along with a sniffer dog, swung into action. All officers, employees and visitors were advised to stay out of the building until a thorough frisking was completed.

SP Bhagat Singh Thakur stated that upon receiving the information, a QRT team and sniffer dogs with detection equipment were deployed. The entire building was thoroughly searched for any possible threat following standard operating procedures. After ensuring the building’s safety, normal operations were restored.

DC Amarjit Singh said upon detecting the email, the police were informed and the mini-secretariat was immediately evacuated as per emergency protocol. Work resumed in all branches only after the police investigation was completed.