Lucknow: Panic prevailed at the Regional Passport Office in Gomti Nagar on Wednesday after authorities received an email claiming that multiple explosive devices have been planted on the premises.The email, sent from an unidentified address, alleged that 19 bombs filled with cyanide gas have been placed in the washroom areas. The sender claimed that the bombs will explode at around 2:10pm and urged immediate evacuation advising individuals to cover their noses and mouths while exiting. Acting swiftly, police along with the bomb disposal squad and a specialised explosive detection unit carried out comprehensive search and sanitisation operations. Sniffer dogs were also pressed into service. Entire campus as well as vehicles parked inside the premises were inspected. As a precautionary measure, the office was sealed. Applicants present inside the building were asked to remain calm and stay seated while fresh visitors were barred from entering. Security was significantly tightened in the surrounding area. Officials said the email contained several unrelated and inflammatory references, pointing towards a possible attempt to create panic and disrupt normal functioning. “A detailed technical investigation has been initiated to trace the origin of the email and identify those responsible. Every aspect is being examined. At present, the situation is under control, but we are not taking any chances,” a senior police officer said. Regional passport officer, Shubham Singh, said while such threatening emails are occasionally received, standard operating procedures were activated to ensure the safety of staff and applicants. No explosive material was found till the time of filing this report. The premises were later declared safe.
