Post offices in Bengal get bomb threat again; Email mentions ISI and Azad Kashmir

Panic gripped several districts of West Bengal for the second consecutive day on Friday after bomb threat emails were sent to multiple post offices and Passport Seva Kendras, prompting immediate evacuations. Authorities suspended services and conducted extensive search operations, but no suspicious objects were found at any of the locations.

The Hooghly Head Post Office, which houses a Passport Seva Kendra, received a threatening email on Friday afternoon. Soon after, a similar message reached the sub-divisional post office in Serampore. Police and bomb disposal squads rushed to the premises, evacuated employees and visitors, and began thorough inspections, leading to significant disruption of public services.

Threatening emails were also sent to the Asansol Post Office in Paschim Bardhaman, the Bankura Head Post Office, and the main post office in Howrah. In Howrah, the New Collectorate Building, which houses the District Magistrate’s office and key administrative departments, was evacuated as a precautionary measure and searched extensively.

The email claimed that an “RDX bomb filled with cyanide gas” would explode at a passport office at 12:10 pm and warned authorities to evacuate the premises by 11 am. The message stated that the previous day’s alertness had been a test and that the current threat would not be. Despite the alarming claim, no explosion occurred after the specified time.

Officials indicated that the threats appear to be a hoax but said security protocols were strictly followed to avoid any risk. Since Tuesday, similar emails have been sent across the state, including to courts in Kolkata and other districts, with each incident resulting in evacuation and searches. The matter has now been handed over to the Special Task Force of Kolkata Police, which is working to identify those responsible. Police have urged the public to remain calm and report any suspicious information.