Bomb threat scare at five major temples triggers alert in Punjab

A bomb threat email sent to five prominent temples in Punjab on Thursday prompted authorities to issue a security alert and increase vigilance across the state, PTI reported.

Officials said the email also warned of explosions at several government institutions. The threat report was received just two days before the anniversary of Operation Blue Star and reportedly contained provocative references to the June 1984 military operation to remove militants from the Golden Temple.

Authorities have launched an investigation while also tightening security at sensitive locations.

Here’s what the police said

In Jalandhar, police conducted a search at Devi Talab Mandir, but no suspicious object or explosive material was found, police said.

Although it appears to be a false threat to spread panic, no risk can be taken and security has been tightened, police said.

Cyber teams are probing the origin of the email, they said, adding that further investigation into the matter is underway, PTI reported.

The fresh scare comes close to similar threats in many places in Punjab and Haryana in the past few weeks, which later turned out to be hoaxes.

Thursday’s bomb threat comes at a time of heightened security in view of the anniversary of Operation Blue Star.