Maharashtra Legislature on High Alert After Bomb Threat Email
The Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, the state legislative building, was placed on high security alert on Thursday morning after receiving a threatening email claiming an imminent bomb and missile attack. The email, which arrived at 6:57 AM, triggered an immediate emergency response from authorities.
Security Forces Swiftly Deployed
Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde confirmed that upon receiving the threat, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) and a specialized dog squad were urgently called to the premises. A thorough inspection of the entire Vidhan Bhavan complex was conducted to ensure safety.
Minister of State for Home Sanjay Bhoyar stated that all employees were temporarily removed from the building as a precautionary measure while the search operation was underway. He emphasized that necessary security arrangements have been implemented and there is no cause for panic among the public.
Threat Appears to Be a Hoax
Following the comprehensive inspection, officials have preliminarily concluded that the threat was likely a hoax. Bhoyar noted that the inspection has been completed and initial findings suggest the email was malicious but not credible.
"This seems to be done by some perverted minds," Bhoyar remarked. "The police are investigating the exact email id and IP address. Since a war was going on in the Gulf, words like missiles were used. But it was a hoax email, so there is no need to panic."
Multiple Locations Targeted in Threat
The threatening email did not single out the Vidhan Bhavan alone. According to Chairman Shinde, the message also mentioned four other prominent locations in Mumbai, including the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Metro systems, the High Court, and several banks. Police are currently inspecting these additional sites as part of their investigation.
"The email also mentions timing. So precaution is taken by the administration and necessary action is being taken by BDDS and police," Shinde explained.
Budget Session Proceeds Without Disruption
Despite the security scare, the ongoing budget session of the legislature continues without major disruption. Shinde confirmed that most legislators had not yet arrived at the Vidhan Bhavan during the early morning hours when the threat was received, eliminating the need for any evacuation procedures.
"The budget session is very important. Since there was a threat email, there is an investigation going on. All details will be revealed after the investigation," Shinde stated, assuring that all officials have been granted entry as usual.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Authorities are actively investigating the origins of the threatening email, focusing on tracing the email ID and IP address used to send the message. The reference to missiles in the context of ongoing conflicts in the Gulf region has been noted as part of the investigation.
Security remains heightened at the Vidhan Bhavan and other mentioned locations as police work to determine the credibility of the threat and identify those responsible for sending the alarming communication.
