Did a Bomb Threat Email Trigger a Search Operation at Ordnance Factory Itarsi?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Itarsi (MP), December 23 (NationPress) The Ordnance Factory located in Itarsi, a crucial establishment for defense manufacturing propellants and munitions, received an alarming bomb threat through email on Tuesday. This prompted a swift evacuation and thorough search operation conducted by police and bomb disposal units.
The email was detected on Tuesday morning after arriving late Monday night in the factory's official inbox. Management acted quickly by notifying the authorities, which triggered a heightened alert. This incident marks the second bomb threat directed at this facility in 2025, following a similar situation in April that was confirmed to be a hoax after extensive scrutiny.
In a statement to IANS, the Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) for Itarsi, Virendra Mishra, mentioned, “Two Bomb Disposal Squads are currently inside the factory conducting searches for any potential threats. The premises have been cleared, and investigations are ongoing.”
According to police sources, the threatening email claimed that three RDX bombs were strategically placed within the Ordnance Factory and at other locations, insisting on evacuation ahead of an explosion. The areas surrounding Pathrauta, Itarsi, and Rampur were secured for public safety.
Police officials disclosed that the email specified bomb placements at the residence of musician Ilya Raja, actor Rajnikanth, and within the Ordnance Factory in Itarsi.
The operation, under the supervision of Additional Superintendent of Police Abhishek Rajan, involved teams from various police stations meticulously examining each section of the sensitive site.
Thus far, no suspicious items have been discovered.
There was a slight delay in deploying bomb disposal units due to increased security measures in Madhya Pradesh due to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda's visit.
On the same day, Nadda laid the foundation stones for new medical colleges in the districts of Dhar and Betul under a public-private partnership initiative. One bomb disposal squad was redirected from Chhindwara to assist at the factory.
No official statement has been released by the police regarding this incident.
The factory, operating under Munitions India Limited, remains under strict security protocols.
Authorities are treating this incident with gravity, although they suspect it might be another hoax, akin to the situation in April.
Operations are anticipated to resume once the area is deemed safe. The police have urged the public to remain calm, assuring that thorough measures are in place.
Further updates on the investigation will be communicated as they arise.