By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 23 Jun: The tourist town of Mussoorie was gripped by panic on Tuesday after the Mussoorie Municipal Council and the SDM’s office received threatening emails. Allegedly sent in the name of the “Khalistan National Army”, the email threatened to blow up the municipal office with a bomb. Upon receiving the information, the police, intelligence department, cyber cell, and bomb disposal squad immediately swung into action, and the entire municipal complex was evacuated. As a security precaution, all municipal employees were moved out of the building, and public entry was temporarily restricted. The bomb squad team cordoned off the municipal complex and conducted an intensive search operation lasting several hours.
The bomb disposal squad meticulously inspected all rooms, the record room, offices, the roof, the parking area, and the surrounding areas of the municipal building. Every suspicious spot was thoroughly checked; however, it was a relief that no explosive material or suspicious object was recovered during the search. Bomb squad officials appealed to the public not to touch any unclaimed bags, boxes, or suspicious objects and to immediately report any such items to the police control room or local police.
According to sources, the email received by the municipal and SDM offices threatened to target not only the Mussoorie municipal office but also certain key locations in Uttarakhand and Delhi. The email caused a stir among administrative and security agencies. Such a threat at an international tourist destination like Mussoorie has raised new questions regarding security arrangements. With a large number of domestic and international tourists visiting Mussoorie during the current tourist season, the administration is in no mood to take any risks.
Given the gravity of the matter, the Cyber Cell has been tasked with the investigation. Technical experts are examining the email’s IP address, server location, and other digital evidence to determine who sent the threat and from where. Mussoorie Station House Officer (SHO) Devendra Chauhan stated that every aspect of the case is being investigated. All necessary security measures have been taken, and no possibility is being ruled out at this stage.
Municipal Council Chairperson Meera Saklani stated that the municipal administration is on high alert following the threatening email and is extending full cooperation to the police, intelligence department, and Cyber Cell. She noted that Mussoorie is a major tourist destination and such threats could impact tourism activities. However, there is no need for public panic, as the administration is closely monitoring the situation.
The primary question facing investigative agencies right now is whether this email is part of a larger conspiracy or merely an attempt to cause mischief. The administration is unwilling to rule out any possibility until the investigation is concluded.
