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Punjab Secretariat: An email warning of an explosive attack triggered a major security response at the Punjab Secretariat in Chandigarh on Thursday morning, January 29. The message, sent to the Director of the National Informatics Centre at the Punjab Secretariat, claimed that the building would be targeted in a bomb blast. The threat immediately set off alarms within the administration, prompting swift action from law enforcement and emergency services to safeguard the premises and the people inside.

Security Response at the Secretariat

Following the receipt of the threatening email, Chandigarh Police moved quickly to secure the Punjab Secretariat complex. Entry and exit points were sealed, and people present inside the building were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Security personnel were deployed across the area to prevent any untoward incident while the situation was assessed.

Police officials confirmed that bomb disposal squads, along with specialized rescue and emergency response teams, were rushed to the site. These units carried out thorough checks across the building and surrounding areas to rule out the presence of any explosive material. Authorities maintained heightened vigilance throughout the operation, ensuring that standard safety protocols were strictly followed.

Investigation Into the Threatening Email

According to preliminary information, the email was allegedly sent in the name of the Khalistan National Army, a group that has previously surfaced in threat-related communications. Investigators are currently examining the origin of the message, including its digital trail, to identify the sender and determine the credibility of the threat.

Cybercrime units and intelligence agencies have been roped in to assist with the probe. Officials stated that email headers, server data, and other technical details are being analyzed to trace the source. While no suspicious object has been reported so far, authorities emphasized that no risk is being taken lightly.

Impact on Government Operations

The evacuation of the Punjab Secretariat led to temporary disruption of administrative work, with several departments suspending operations during the security sweep. Employees were asked to vacate calmly, and officials coordinated to ensure that sensitive records and systems remained secure.

Senior administrative officers remained in close contact with the police throughout the day. Authorities later indicated that normal functioning would resume only after security agencies completed their checks and declared the premises safe.

Recent Spate of Threat Emails in Chandigarh

The Secretariat threat follows a similar incident earlier this week when multiple private and government schools across Chandigarh received bomb threat emails. Those messages, also sent electronically, caused widespread concern among school administrations and parents.

As a precaution, affected schools were evacuated immediately, and students were sent home safely. Several institutions announced temporary closures or declared holidays to avoid panic and allow security agencies to complete inspections. Police later confirmed that no explosives were found in those cases.

Authorities Urge Calm and Cooperation

Law enforcement officials have appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading rumors. They stressed that such threats, whether genuine or hoaxes, are treated with utmost seriousness due to the potential risk to life and public order.

Police have also warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals found responsible for issuing false threats. Investigations into both the Secretariat email and the earlier school threats are ongoing, with officials working to determine whether the incidents are connected.

Heightened Vigilance Continues

In the wake of these events, security across key government buildings and educational institutions in Chandigarh has been intensified. Additional patrols, monitoring of digital communication channels, and coordination between agencies remain in place as a preventive measure.

Authorities reiterated that public safety remains their top priority and assured citizens that all necessary steps are being taken to address the situation responsibly and transparently.