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Security Alert Triggered by Bomb Scare

Munish Sood
MANDI:
A significant security alert was issued in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi was set to arrive, following a bomb threat reported at medical colleges in Nerchowk (Mandi) and Chamba.

At Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College in Nerchowk, the Principal received an email warning of the presence of RDX on campus. Although a thorough search revealed no explosives, the entire hospital was evacuated as a precaution, causing widespread panic among patients, staff, and students.

While the email did not explicitly mention the institution, authorities took it seriously due to the Principal being tagged in the message. In response to the alert, classes were halted, and patients were moved from hospital wards, with only emergency services remaining operational.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Smrutika Negi confirmed the situation, stating, “Upon receiving the information, we took immediate precautionary actions. The hospital and college premises were cleared, and bomb disposal and dog squads were deployed for a comprehensive search operation.”

Law enforcement and security teams cordoned off the area to avert any potential incidents. The bomb disposal unit and dog squad conducted extensive inspections, but no explosives were discovered by the time of this report.

The threatening email allegedly included various accusations and references to unrelated political issues in Tamil Nadu, before asserting that four RDX bombs had been placed. Authorities suspect it may be a hoax intended to incite panic.

Patients and their families encountered challenges due to the abrupt evacuation; however, hospital management assured that emergency and critical care services remained uninterrupted. Officials indicated that cyber teams are tracing the email's origin, and the investigation is ongoing. “Public safety is our top priority. The college will resume normal operations once security clearance is obtained,” officials stated.

Incident Coincides with PM Modi’s Visit

The bomb scare coincides with Prime Minister Modi's visit to Himachal Pradesh to evaluate the extensive damage caused by heavy rains and flash floods. His schedule includes an aerial survey of the affected regions in Chamba, Mandi, and Kullu, followed by a review meeting with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and senior officials.

The state government has estimated losses exceeding Rs 5,000 crore and is expected to request a special relief package from the central government. CM Sukhu is also anticipated to advocate for policy adjustments, including changes to the Forest Rights Act and updated guidelines for road construction in hilly areas.

Increased Security Measures Implemented

The RDX scare has led to heightened security measures already in place for the Prime Minister’s visit. More than 400 police personnel have been deployed across Kangra, Mandi, and neighboring districts. Gaggal Airport has been designated a no-fly zone from noon to 4 p.m., and a temporary ban on paragliding has been enforced.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur have arrived in Dharamshala to participate in a high-level review meeting with the Prime Minister. Police officials reported that cyber teams are investigating the source of the threatening email, which may have been aimed at creating panic ahead of the significant visit.

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