SHIMLA – A wave of panic swept through the upper regions of Shimla district on Wednesday after handwritten posters carrying a bomb threat were discovered targeting key administrative and judicial buildings. The threats specifically named the Rohru Court complex and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office in Rohru, prompting an immediate and massive security response from the local authorities.
The incident has put the state capital’s security apparatus on high alert, with senior police officials leading a multi-pronged investigation to track down the individuals behind the posters.
Swift Evacuation and Search Operations
The alarm was first raised when a handwritten poster was spotted on a wall in the Bharari area of Shimla. The message, written in a threatening tone, warned that the Rohru Court and the SDM office would be targeted with explosives on Wednesday.
Upon receiving the information, Shimla Police acted with urgency:
- Immediate Evacuation: Both the Rohru Court complex and the SDM office were quickly evacuated. Staff, lawyers, and members of the public were moved to safety while police cordoned off the premises.
- Vehicular Clearance: All vehicles parked in the vicinity of the targeted buildings were removed to ensure a clear perimeter for the search teams.
- Bomb Disposal Squad Deployment: A specialized Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was rushed from Shimla to Rohru to conduct a thorough sweep of the buildings and surrounding areas.
Police Statement: “Investigation in Full Swing”
Speaking to the media regarding the progress of the case, Additional SP Mehar Panwar confirmed that the police have taken the matter very seriously.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shimla, Gaurav Singh, also provided an update, noting that while the search operations were extensive, no suspicious objects or explosives were found on the premises. He confirmed that a case has been officially registered at the Sadar Police Station in Shimla under relevant sections of the law.
A Week of Hoaxes and High Alert
This latest threat comes during a particularly tense week for the Himachal Pradesh capital. Just 48 hours prior, several schools in Shimla had received bomb threat emails, which also triggered evacuations and frantic searches. Those threats were eventually declared hoaxes after security agencies found no evidence of any danger.
The police are currently investigating whether there is any link between the school email threats and the physical posters found targeting Rohru. Authorities are also scanning CCTV footage from the Bharari area and Rohru to identify the person seen pasting the handwritten notes.
Maintaining Public Order
The Shimla Police administration has issued a strong appeal to the public to remain calm and not succumb to fear.
- Ignore Rumors: Citizens are urged not to share unverified messages on social media platforms like WhatsApp, as these can incite unnecessary panic.
- Stay Vigilant: While the current threat appears to be a scare tactic, the police have asked residents to report any suspicious activity or abandoned objects immediately.
- Cooperate with Security: Increased frisking and checking are expected at government installations and public transport hubs over the next few days.
Impact on Judicial and Administrative Work
The security scare led to a temporary halt in judicial proceedings at the Rohru Court and administrative work at the SDM office. However, officials stated that normal operations would resume once a full “all-clear” is given by the technical teams. For the people of Rohru, a town known for its peaceful orchards and scenic beauty, this sudden brush with a security threat has left the community on edge, awaiting the results of the police probe.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring that such attempts to disrupt public peace are met with strict legal action. The police have assured that they are exploring all angles, including the possibility of local mischief aimed at causing administrative disruption.
