Threat of blowing up passport offices and post offices created panic! Investigation turns out to be ‘fake’, police heaves a sigh of relief Panic ensues following threats to blow up the passport office and post offices! Investigation reveals it to be a hoax; The police breathed a sigh of relief.

There was panic in many parts of the state including Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi today when passport offices and major post offices received bomb threats. As soon as the threatening email was received, there was panic among the administration and security agencies. As a precautionary measure, all sensitive offices were immediately evacuated and people were evacuated to safe places. However, after hours of intensive searching, security agencies heaved a sigh of relief—the threatening alert was found to be completely ‘fake’.

How did the atmosphere of panic start?

As soon as this threatening message reached the official emails of the Passport Office and various post offices this morning, security protocols were activated. It was clearly written in the email that bombs had been planted in the campus, which created a stir. As soon as the information was received, the Bomb Disposal Squad and Dog Squad team immediately reached the spot. The employees and common citizens present there were evacuated with immediate effect and the entire premises was cordoned off. The frightened people and their families looked on in terror as no one knew whether it was a real threat or a rumour.

Search operation and administrative promptness

Seeing the seriousness of the threat, the police and intelligence department took charge. In this intensive search operation that lasted for hours, every nook and corner was searched in detail. During this time, ambulances and fire brigade vehicles were also kept on standby. Senior police officials said that when the team searched the entire building and surrounding areas, no suspicious object was recovered. It was later confirmed that it was a ‘fake alert’ spread by a mischievous element, whose aim was only to create panic.

Police keep a close watch on those who make fake threats

This is not the first case of fake bomb threat. Jharkhand Police is now taking this matter seriously. With the help of IT cell, the email ID and IP address from which these threatening emails were sent are being tracked. While warning cyber criminals, the police have said that such activities disrupt government work and create an atmosphere of fear among the general public. Strict legal action will be taken against those who do so and they will be detained soon. At present, all the offices have been reopened and functioning has become normal.