Punjab Police have been placed on maximum alert after five prominent temples across the state received bomb threat emails just days before the 42nd anniversary of Operation Bluestar. The threats targeted Durgiana Temple in Amritsar, Mukteshwar Dham Temple in Pathankot, Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar, Maisar Khana Temple in Bathinda, and Mata Kali Temple in Patiala.
Security Measures Intensified
Authorities are treating the matter with utmost seriousness despite initial indications that the emails may be part of a series of hoax threats previously sent to educational institutions, the Punjab Civil Secretariat, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and other key establishments. Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar confirmed that comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place and all threat inputs are being thoroughly investigated.
Security agencies are not taking any chances, Bhullar stated, emphasizing that the police are working diligently to ensure public safety. The threats come amid already heightened security arrangements ahead of June 6, the anniversary date. As many as 11 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, including personnel from the Border Security Force, Rapid Action Force, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police, have been deployed across the region to strengthen security.
Review of Security Posture
Earlier, Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and Special DGP (Law and Order) P K Sinha reviewed security arrangements in Amritsar and other border districts. Sinha emphasized that security agencies remain vigilant against attempts by anti-national elements and hostile forces across the border to disrupt peace in Punjab.
We are fully aware of the designs of hostile neighbours and anti-national elements trying to create unrest in the border state, Sinha stated. All necessary preventive and security measures have been implemented to ensure peaceful observance of the anniversary and maintain public safety, he added.
Investigation and Arrests
In a related development, Amritsar City Police recently arrested a Bangladeshi national from West Bengal for allegedly supplying fake email accounts. Investigators suspect some of these accounts may have been used to send bomb threat emails linked to actors operating from Pakistan and Bangladesh. Punjab Police has also sought assistance from Interpol to trace and identify individuals based abroad who are suspected of issuing hoax bomb threats aimed at creating fear and public panic.
A police official stated that security has been intensified at religious places, transportation hubs, and other sensitive installations across Punjab, with round-the-clock surveillance and checking operations underway. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
