A series of hoax bomb threats sent via email triggered security alerts at passport and post offices across Gujarat, prompting search operations and temporary evacuations in several cities.
Search Operation at Surat Passport Office
In Surat, a threatening email targeting the Passport Office in the Piplod area led to immediate action. Teams from local police, along with dog squads and bomb detection units, conducted a thorough search of the premises and surrounding areas.
Cybercrime officials have been engaged to trace the origin of the email and determine the intent behind the threat. No suspicious object was found during the preliminary search, police sources confirmed.
Offices Evacuated in Valsad and Navsari
Similar threats were reported in Valsad, where both the post office and passport office were mentioned in the email. Authorities evacuated the Valsad post office as a precaution and carried out a detailed inspection with the help of the bomb squad.
In Navsari, the local post office also received a threatening email, leading to intensified security checks and deployment of additional police personnel.
Reports indicate that similar emails were sent to post offices and passport offices in Bhavnagar, Amreli, Veraval, Godhra and Junagadh. Preliminary findings suggest that nearly identical messages were circulated to superintendents of multiple post offices across the state.
Heightened Security Measures
Operations at affected offices were temporarily suspended until searches were completed. Security has been tightened across Gujarat, particularly around key government establishments.
Senior officials stated that although no explosive material has been recovered, the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness. Cybercrime units are analysing the email trail to identify the sender and prevent further disruption. Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and refrain from spreading rumours.
“Email Sent by Mistake,” Says Gandhinagar SP
Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police Vasamsetty Raviteja clarified that the confusion arose due to an internal forwarding error.
He explained that the email was originally received at the Surat Regional Passport Office and was forwarded to local police and the concerned post office. From there, it was sent to the head office in Ahmedabad and subsequently circulated to post offices across the state.
According to the SP, the threat was meant only for the Surat passport office, and there was no specific threat to other post offices. He added that an employee at the Ahmedabad head office had mistakenly forwarded the email statewide and would be questioned.
The SP further said that since the email pertained to Surat, any decision regarding registration of an offence would be taken by Surat Police. He assured that appropriate corrective measures and warnings would be issued to prevent similar errors in the future.