Did the High-security Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat Receive a Bomb Threat Email?
Synopsis
On January 29, a bomb threat email forced the evacuation of the high-security Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, raising alarms across the region. This incident follows a similar scare involving 30 local schools, leaving citizens concerned over safety in Chandigarh.
Key Takeaways
The Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat was evacuated due to a bomb threat email.
CISF and local police responded swiftly to ensure public safety.
Recent threats have raised concerns about security in Chandigarh.
Authorities are investigating the origin of the threatening emails.
Normalcy returned as schools closed for the day.
Chandigarh, Jan 29 (NationPress) The Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, a facility under tight security managed by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), was evacuated on Thursday following the arrival of a bomb threat email directed to the National Informatics Centre (NIC), according to officials.
In addition to the CISF, Chandigarh Police and their counterparts from Punjab and Haryana, along with bomb squads and the Fire Brigade, were mobilized to the Secretariat, which accommodates the offices of the Chief Ministers from both states, their Cabinet members, and high-ranking government officials.
After an email purportedly from an individual named 'Michael Gill' was received, the entire Secretariat underwent a thorough evacuation and search operation.
The CISF has maintained a presence at the Secretariat since 1995, following the tragic bombing that claimed the life of then-Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh at the Chandigarh complex, which serves as the shared administrative capital of Punjab and Haryana.
Just a day prior, approximately 30 schools in the city were targeted with similar bomb threat emails, triggering widespread alarm among police forces and local authorities.
Upon receiving the emails early in the morning, both public and private schools notified the police, leading to an immediate alert from the police control room.
The bomb detection team, operations cell, and local police promptly arrived at the schools to conduct comprehensive searches.
The threatening emails were filled with inflammatory and objectionable content, including the statement 'bomb blast 1.11 p.m.'. The message claimed: 'Chandigarh is Khalistan, stop the national anthem in schools…' It also referenced the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister to Dera Ballan in Jalandhar, Punjab on February 1 for Guru Ravidas Jayanti.
As a result, normalcy was restored with schools remaining closed for the day, and parents were seen taking their children home.
Point of View
I emphasize that the safety and security of citizens remain paramount. The swift response from law enforcement and security agencies in addressing these threats demonstrates their commitment to public safety. Our focus must be on transparency and timely updates as the situation develops.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the evacuation of the Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat?
The evacuation was triggered by a bomb threat email received by the National Informatics Centre, leading to immediate security measures.
Who is responsible for the security of the Civil Secretariat?
The security of the Civil Secretariat is managed by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) along with local police forces.
Have there been other recent bomb threats in Chandigarh?
Yes, just a day before this incident, around 30 schools in Chandigarh also received bomb threat emails, causing widespread concern.
What actions were taken following the bomb threat?
Following the bomb threat, the entire Secretariat was evacuated and subjected to thorough searches by security teams.
What was included in the threatening emails?
The emails contained inflammatory content and threats, including references to bomb blasts and political statements.
