Bomb threat emails trigger panic in Chandigarh; Schools, Mayor’s office and Secretariat evacuated

A wave of panic gripped Chandigarh on Monday after multiple bomb threat emails targeted three prominent schools along with key government establishments, including the Mayor’s office and the Punjab and Haryana Secretariat. The alarming messages prompted authorities to activate high-level security protocols, leading to swift evacuation and extensive search operations across the city.

The threats were sent to St. Stephen’s School in Sector 45, Ryan International School in Sector 49, and Shivalik Public School. School administrations immediately responded by evacuating students and staff to safe areas. Parents were informed and asked to pick up their children early, resulting in heavy congestion and heightened anxiety around school zones.

Simultaneously, the threat extended to the administrative core of the city, specifically naming the Mayor’s office and the Punjab and Haryana Secretariat. These locations house senior officials and political leadership, making the situation particularly sensitive and prompting intensified security deployment in and around these buildings.

Police and specialised teams reached the affected sites shortly after the alerts were received and began thorough searches. According to officials present at the locations, no suspicious objects had been found during initial checks. Authorities reassured the public, urging parents and residents not to panic while the verification process continued.

The incident follows a series of similar threat emails reported in recent weeks across the region, many of which were later confirmed to be hoaxes. Despite this, officials treated the latest threats with utmost seriousness, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols and maintaining a high level of vigilance across Chandigarh.