Fake bomb threat email triggers security alert in Gurugram

Gurugram, Jul 13 (PTI) A fake bomb email allegedly containing Khalistan-related messages triggered a security alert in Gurugram on Monday morning, with threats targeting several prominent private schools and the mini secretariat, police said. Police said that security was stepped up at the targeted schools and the mini secretariat as a precautionary measure, following which bomb disposal and dog squads, and special police teams were dispatched for an intensive search operation. After several hours of searching all schools, nothing suspicious was found, and the threat was declared as hoax, police said, adding that an FIR was registered, and efforts are underway to identify the accused who sent the email. According to the police, several prominent schools and the mini secretariat received the email at 9.15 am, warning that the bombs will explode at 1.11 pm and 3.11 pm, respectively. The schools that received the email were Blue Bells Model School, Salwan Public School, Amity International School and Air Force School. The emails also contained threats regarding the creation of 'Khalistan' out of Haryana and an IED blast at the Sonipat railway station, alongside references to certain political and social issues, police said. After receiving the threat, the Gurugram Police, district administration, and intelligence agencies swung into action. A security cordon was laid around all schools and the mini secretariat complex, and thorough searches were conducted in classrooms, offices, parking areas, and other sections. Officials breathed a sigh of relief after the hours-long operation yielded no suspicious objects or explosives, police said. The police have handed over the investigation to the Cyber Crime Branch to trace the source of the email, the IP address and technical details to identify the senders. Assistance from other central agencies will also be sought if necessary, police said. The police officers said that every aspect is being investigated thoroughly, and strict legal action will be taken against the perpetrators once identified. "The situation is being closely monitored. All necessary security arrangements have been put in place to prevent any untoward incident. The cyber cell has also been involved in the preliminary investigation and is working to trace the origin of the threatening email and identify the sender", a senior police officer said. PTI COR KSI KSI