Threat to blow up Vidhan Bhavan is false; appeal not to believe rumours ! : Yogesh Kadam, Minister of State for Home

Attempt to divert the administration’s attention; security agencies alert !

Mumbai, 12 March (News) – A threatening email claiming that bombs would be used to blow up four important locations in Mumbai, including the Vidhan Bhavan, was received on the morning of 12 March. Although there was tension in the area for some time, the preliminary investigation revealed that the threat was false. Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam and Minister of State for Housing Pankaj Bhoyar appealed to the public not to panic.

What exactly happened ?

The threatening email was received at 6:57 a.m. It also mentioned the time at which the explosions would occur. The locations mentioned as targets included Vidhan Bhavan, the Mumbai Stock Exchange, Mumbai Metro, and the Bombay High Court. The email also referred to a possible missile attack. As soon as the information was received, the Police and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad immediately launched a search operation. After receiving the threat, the Mumbai Police conducted a search operation across South Mumbai and particularly in the Vidhan Bhavan area. Strict police security has been deployed at all the entrances of the Vidhan Bhavan, and thorough verification of people entering and leaving is being carried out.

In this regard, Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam said that a threat to blow up the legislature building had been received; however, it is a fake email sent to divert the administration’s attention. Considering India’s growing global stature, the possibility of a missile attack is extremely low. It would also be wrong to link this incident with any political development or the war in the Gulf countries. The Vidhan Bhavan is completely safe.

Minister of State for Housing Pankaj Bhoyar said that while there is peace in the country and the State, some malicious individuals are trying to disturb the atmosphere; however, due to the promptness of the Home Department, the conspiracy has been foiled. Strict police security has been deployed at all the entrances of the Vidhan Bhavan and every person is being thoroughly verified. The cyber cell and the Police administration are trying to trace the source of this email.

Editorial Perspective

Such elements who play with the security of the country must be identified and strict action should be taken against them. In such times, citizens should remain calm, not panic, and rely only on official information.