Major Security Alert in Mohali Following Bomb Threat to Hospital and Schools
MOHALI: A chilling bomb threat was received via email on Tuesday morning, targeting Fortis Hospital in Mohali and several adjacent educational institutions. The threat specifically warned of an explosion scheduled for approximately 1:11 pm, triggering an immediate and comprehensive security mobilization by the Punjab Police and allied security agencies.
Heightened Security Due to Chief Minister's Presence
Sources have confirmed that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is currently undergoing medical treatment at Fortis Hospital. In light of his presence at the facility, security protocols have been escalated dramatically. The entire vicinity has been placed under a high-alert status, with authorities implementing stringent precautionary measures to ensure safety.
Threat Attributed to 'Khalistan National Army'
The threatening communication was reportedly issued under the name of the so-called "Khalistan National Army." However, officials have noted a pattern, indicating that similar threat messages have been previously received in Mohali and Chandigarh, which ultimately proved to be hoaxes. Despite this history, the response has been unequivocally serious.
Police Response: No Chances Being Taken
Mohali SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans emphasized that while the threat may lack credibility, the police are adopting a zero-risk approach. Specialized units, including bomb disposal squads and sniffer dog teams, have been deployed to conduct exhaustive sweeps of the hospital premises and the surrounding schools.
SP Dilpreet Singh stated that a thorough search operation is actively underway to eliminate any potential danger. "Our primary objective is to ensure public safety and rule out any explosive threats," he affirmed.
Cyber Investigation and Public Appeal
Concurrently, cyber forensic teams are meticulously examining the digital footprint of the threat email to trace its origin and identify the perpetrators. DSP Harsimran Singh Bal has appealed to the public to maintain calm and refrain from circulating unverified rumors, which could hinder the investigation and cause unnecessary panic.
Security agencies continue their verification and search operations, with further updates anticipated as the situation develops. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges in distinguishing credible threats from malicious hoaxes in an increasingly digital landscape.
